Report by LaTabla/Data Journalism Platform | July 28, 2025
The La Tabla Data Journalism Platform has identified that the reconnaissance aircraft detected yesterday in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR Maiquetía), off the coast of Venezuela, belongs to the Royal British Air Force (RAF) and is an RC-135W with registration ZZ664.
According to our records:
– The aircraft carries the official insignia of the RAF, setting it apart from U.S. RC-135s that have conducted over 70 incursions in the area since 2019.
– Contrary to expectations, it took off from the former military airport in Greenville, Texas (USA), rather than from British bases.
This operation raises questions regarding the collaboration between the United Kingdom and the U.S. in regional surveillance missions. LaTabla is investigating:
1. Reasons behind the RAF’s use of Texan facilities.
2. Possible objectives of the mission in the context of diplomatic tensions.
We will provide updates with new findings.