The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) on Thursday revealed that a Chinese fighter pilot performed a highly unsafe interception maneuver against a U.S. Air Force RC-135 over the South China Sea on December 21.
The Chinese jet came within 20 feet of the RC-135’s nose during the maneuver, forcing the American crew to take evasive action.
The RC-135 is a large four-engine jet that can be configured for a variety of support and reconnaissance missions.
The Rivet Joint has a crew of 3 pilots, 2 navigators, and a minimum of 3 electronic warfare officers, 14 intelligence operators, and 4 inflight/airborne maintenance crew.
There are 17 Rivet Joints in the USAF.
7/n
— TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) July 9, 2022
AC