A specialized US jet, known as the ‘nuke sniffer,’ had to make an emergency landing in the United Kingdom. The aircraft, a USAF WC-135R Constant Phoenix, is equipped to detect radioactive particles in the atmosphere. It landed at RAF Mildenhall after its mission over Northern Europe was abruptly terminated.
The WC-135 aircraft is specifically designed for reconnaissance purposes to identify nuclear activities by sampling radioactive isotopes in the air. According to AirLive reports, the emergency situation unfolded when the crew declared an emergency on board around 11 am. The plane descended to 13,000 feet and executed a series of holding patterns, likely to address a technical issue or reduce fuel load, as per aviation experts.
Having spent hours flying over Norway, the 60-year-old aircraft suddenly changed course and diverted to RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, which hosts a significant US Air Force presence. This visit marked the fourth time in forty years that the USAF WC-135R Constant Phoenix has been stationed at a UK airbase, with such deployments to Europe being uncommon and typically associated with missions near the Russian border.
Operated by the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, the aircraft, also known as the “nuke sniffer,” was reportedly sent from the US to the Middle East shortly before former President Donald Trump’s airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities last year. Its arrival in the UK last month raised speculation about potential conflict preparations with Iran, with sources suggesting its role is more about monitoring ground testing activities rather than weapons detection.
Recent developments following Trump’s deployment of military assets to the Middle East have added to the speculation.
