British Royal Air Force fighter jets have carried out a Nato air defence mission over Poland in response to repeated Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
The deployment of RAF Typhoon jets marks a significant allied move to bolster Nato’s eastern flank amid escalating tensions with Moscow.
The RAF operation was launched on Friday night when two Typhoon jets took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to patrol Polish skies. Supported by an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, the jets completed the mission before returning to the UK early Saturday. The flights formed part of Nato’s wider mission, dubbed Eastern Sentry, which was announced on 10 September following the detection of 19 Russian drones inside Polish airspace.
Defence Secretary John Healey praised the British pilots, saying the mission sent “a clear signal: Nato airspace will be defended.” He added, “I’m proud of the outstanding British pilots and air crew who took part in this successful operation to defend our allies from reckless Russian aggression.” Healey had earlier confirmed the UK’s involvement during a visit to RAF Brize Norton on 15 September, describing Russia’s actions as “reckless, dangerous and unprecedented.”
The recent violations have heightened security concerns across eastern Europe. In Poland, the arrival of 19 drones on a single day was considered the most serious incident of its kind since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Polish forces shot down three of the drones, marking the first time a Nato member directly engaged Russian drones since the conflict began. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.”
Other Nato states have also reported airspace violations. Romania confirmed that a Russian drone had breached its airspace on 14 September, while Estonia accused Moscow of sending three warplanes across its border without permission. Estonia has since called for urgent consultations with its Nato allies. Russia, however, has denied or downplayed the incidents, insisting it has “no plans to target” facilities in Poland.
Nato’s Article 4 was triggered by Poland following the drone incursions, allowing member nations to raise issues of security and territorial concern before the North Atlantic Council, the alliance’s top decision-making body. The move underscores the seriousness with which the alliance is treating the incidents.
The RAF’s latest mission also carries symbolic weight, taking place 85 years after the Battle of Britain, when Polish pilots flew alongside the RAF in defending British skies against German forces. “It is especially poignant that RAF pilots and crew are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with Poland in defence of our shared security,” Healey noted.
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, emphasized the strength of Nato cooperation, saying: “Our partnership with Nato has never been stronger. We remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range.”
The UK’s involvement highlights Nato’s resolve to respond collectively to Russian provocations, reinforcing deterrence on the alliance’s eastern borders and showing solidarity with member states facing direct threats.
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