US Air Force deploys nuke sniffer aircraft to monitor nuclear activity in Indian Ocean
newsweek.com — November 19, 2024, 11:01 AM UTC
A U.S. Air Force WC-135R Constant Phoenix aircraft, known as a "Nuke Sniffer," is on a mission in the Indian Ocean to detect nuclear activity. This aircraft can identify radioactive clouds by collecting air samples. The Constant Phoenix fleet has been operational since December 2023, supporting the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The aircraft recently flew from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, making stops in Hawaii and Guam before heading toward Diego Garcia. This deployment follows reports of an Israeli airstrike on a nuclear facility in Iran. The Constant Phoenix will conduct air sampling missions in the region for six months, monitoring areas including India and South Africa.