A United States specialized military aircraft designed to detect nuclear activities was tracked flying near Russia's Pacific coast on Thursday during its deployment in Japan.

The WC-135R Constant Phoenix atmospheric collection aircraft, commonly known as the "Nuke Sniffer," is capable of collecting particulate and gaseous effluents and debris in support of the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the U.S. Air Force said.

Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Pacific Air Forces for comment by email. Russia 's defense and foreign ministries did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

The deployment of the "Nuke Sniffer" from its home base in Nebraska follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's order last month to assess preparations for full-scale nuclear tests

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