UK Joins NATO Defence Effort
The Royal Air Force will deploy Typhoon jets to Poland to carry out air defence patrols in response to recent Russian airspace violations, the government confirmed on Monday.
The move comes after drones launched by Moscow crossed into Poland, marking the most serious breach of NATO airspace since the war in Ukraine began.
Reinforcement From UK Bases
The Typhoons will fly out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and will be backed by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
They will work alongside aircraft from Denmark, France and Germany to strengthen NATO’s eastern defences.
Starmer Condemns Russian Provocation
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Russia’s actions represented “a direct threat to European security and a violation of international law.”
“These aircraft are not just a show of strength,” he said. “They are vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace, and protecting our allies.”
Warnings From Warsaw
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned the incident was “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.”
He said NATO unity was now critical to deter further Russian provocations along its borders.
Kremlin Denies Intent
The Kremlin has claimed the drones strayed into Poland because they were electronically jammed.
However, European leaders believe the incursions were deliberate and designed to test NATO’s response.
UK Defence Secretary Sends Message
Defence Secretary John Healey said the deployment showed Britain’s commitment to NATO.
“The message to Moscow is clear: Putin tested NATO, NATO responded with unity, and the UK will play its full part,” he said.
NATO’s Eastern Sentry Mission
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Operation Eastern Sentry would see troops and equipment deployed along the borders with Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
The alliance hopes the mission will deter further Russian provocations and reassure eastern member states.
Foreign Office Action
The Foreign Office confirmed it had summoned Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin in London.
Officials described the drone violations as “utterly unacceptable” and warned Moscow against escalating tensions further.
Previous RAF Deployment in Poland
Earlier this year, six RAF Typhoons were based in Poland between April and July as part of NATO’s enhanced air policing mission.
During that period, the aircraft flew nearly 500 hours alongside Swedish jets.
Ongoing Concerns of Escalation
The latest NATO response highlights fears that Russia’s three-year war in Ukraine could spill further into neighbouring countries.
Leaders have repeatedly warned that any attack on NATO territory would trigger the alliance’s mutual defence pact.
