Searching nuclear particles over Mediteranean

On July 30, an USAF Boeing WC-135 (reg. 64-14829) arrived at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom from the United States.
The WC-135, known as “Constant Phoenix”, is a highly specialized U.S. Air Force aircraft equipped to collect and analyze atmospheric samples for nuclear particles. Its primary roles include detecting nuclear detonations, monitoring compliance with arms control treaties, and investigating nuclear incidents by measuring airborne radioactive contamination.

Such deployments to Europe are rare, and the U.S. military has so far released no official explanation for the presence of this nuclear detection platform in the region.

Earlier today, the aircraft (callsign JAKE27) departed the British base and headed toward the Mediterranean. After reaching the central basin, it descended to just 5,000 feet, flying at low altitude across the entire eastern Mediterranean before turning back. The reasons for this mission remain unclear, but the choice to operate at low altitude over such an extensive area is noteworthy.

Current readings from radiation monitoring stations across Europe show normal levels. No real-time data, however, is available for the North African coastline.

(Thanks to Sergio Scandura)