U.S. Deploys Nuclear Detection Aircraft to UK, Multiple C-17 Transports Launch from Texas
A high-stakes U.S. military deployment is underway as a "Nuclear Sniffer" heads to Europe and a massive C-17 air bridge launches from Texas.
Real-time flight tracking and open-source intelligence reports confirm two significant U.S. military aircraft movements recently.
The U.S. Air Force's WC-135R Constant Phoenix, a specialized "nuclear sniffer" aircraft designed to detect radioactive particles in the atmosphere, departed Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska under the callsign COBRA31 and is en route to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.
The aircraft, operated by the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, was observed over the Labrador Sea and heading east across the Atlantic at approximately 35,000 feet.
This deployment aligns with the WC-135R's history of missions to Europe and the Middle East during periods of nuclear concern, though no official U.S. statement has specified the purpose.
Separately, multiple C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft have been reported launching from the Killeen area near Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Texas, with at least five airborne as of early January 29.
These heavy-lift aircraft, capable of carrying large payloads including air defense systems, are believed to be transporting assets such as Patriot or THAAD missile defenses to the Middle East.
This activity is part of a broader "air bridge" effort, with over 40 C-17 flights to the region since January 18, supporting U.S. forces as the U.S. considers decisive military action to topple the Iranian regime.