The RAF and its Role in Reconnaissance Missions Over the Soviet Union

Abstract

The Soviet Union presented political and military leaders with a significant gap in information, intelligence, technological capabilities and perhaps more importantly, their intent. Almost no information or intelligence was available to the West. Tightly controlled borders and limited internal and external travel opportunities made gathering intelligence against the Soviet Union a near impossible task. The only realistic option available at the time was the intent and means to utilise aerial reconnaissance to develop an understanding of Soviet capabilities, military and scientific. This article seeks to highlight the RAF’s involvement and its successes during the crucial period of the 1950s.