Unlike SIGINT platforms that focus on communications content, the RC-135U is specifically tasked with detecting and characterizing unknown emitters - building an electronic order of battle. Every radar activation, missile telemetry test, or communications exchange that Iran is currently conducting feeds directly into its collection. Attempting to track or challenge the platform with air defense radars would be particularly effective - it reveals locations, operating frequencies and scanning patterns without any corresponding benefit. These are her main interests: radar signatures and action patterns.

Unlike SIGINT platforms that focus on communications content, the RC-135U is specifically tasked with detecting and characterizing unknown emitters - building an electronic order of battle. Every radar activation, missile telemetry test, or communications exchange that Iran is currently conducting feeds directly into its collection. Attempting to track or challenge the platform with air defense radars would be particularly effective - it reveals locations, operating frequencies and scanning patterns without any corresponding benefit. These are her main interests: radar signatures and action patterns.

Command and control relationships between military districts.

Missile launch telemetry and heat signatures or other non-target signatures.

Communication bridges between Iranian military areas Geometry: At 12,800 m above the (hypothetical) Kirkuk area, the collection cone reaches about 1,500 km into Iranian territory, covering Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and extending towards neighboring Afghanistan.