US and UK electronic surveillance aircraft have been operational this morning along the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, according to online flight tracking enthusiasts.

A US Air Force RC-135W 'Rivet Joint' aircraft was spotted for several hours flying a 'race track' pattern off the coast of Lebanon.

While an RAF Sentinel R1 was spotted leaving RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus before overflying Israel and Jordan.

Flight tracking enthusiasts have followed a pair of US and UK electronic warfare aircraft on a mission earlier today. The US RC-135W 'Rivet Joint' jet flew a racetrack pattern off the Lebanese coast while the RAF Sentinel R1 flew over Israel and into Jordan

The Sentinel R1 earlier warning spy plane was seen flying to Jordan from RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus this morning, file photograph

The USAF Rivet Joint, pictured, flew a racetrack pattern over the Eastern Mediterranean. Both the UK and US aircraft are involved in electronic surveillance

Both aircraft are used in an electronic warfare role to monitor communications and potential threats such as missile launches

According to the RAF, the Sentinel 'provides long-range, wide-area battlefield surveillance, delivering critical intelligence and target tracking information to British and coalition forces'.

The surveillance aircraft uses a 'powerful multi-mode radar' which offers 'time-critical' intelligence to commanders.

However, the Sentinel is due to be decommissioned next year.

The US RC-135 first flew in 1964 but has undergone constant upgrades and improvement during its service life.

It is capable of carrying a crew of up to 30 and can provide advance warning of potential attacks.

RIVET JOINT RC-135 Engines: Four CFM International F108-CF-201 high bypass turbofan engines 21,600 pounds each engine Length: 135 feet Height: 42 feet Wingspan: 131 feet Maximum speed: 430+ kts Range: 3,900 miles Maximum Altitude: 50,000ft Advertisement