surveillance

Last February, a four-engined US OC-135B aircraft – a variant of the old Stratolifter military transport plane – lumbered into the air to conduct a surveillance flight over Russia.

Among those on board were six Russian officials to ensure fair-play. It was all part of a little-known agreement – the Open Skies Treaty – that since entering into force in 2002 has enabled unarmed reconnaissance flights over Russia, the United States and several other countries to improve confidence and assure against surprise attack.

Now this treaty is under threat. Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump has already signed a …