The UK has announced the deployment of RAF Typhoon jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Eastern Sentry” mission, in response to what is described as Russia’s escalating aggression. Sir Keir Starmer, in an interview with Channel 4 News, stated that the UK will provide additional air defense support to Poland following recent incidents where Russian drones intruded into Polish airspace and were subsequently intercepted by Polish and NATO aircraft.
Starmer emphasized the importance of not overlooking the heightened aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime, citing recent events such as the bombing of the British Council in Kyiv and attacks on diplomatic premises. He highlighted the need for a coordinated response with NATO allies to counter this aggression.
RAF Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby will participate in NATO’s “Eastern Sentry” mission, patrolling alongside aircraft from Denmark, France, and Germany over Polish skies. The mission will be supported by a Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.
Defence Secretary John Healey affirmed the UK’s commitment to bolstering its military presence on NATO’s eastern flank as part of the Eastern Sentry initiative. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that Polish and NATO forces had downed at least three Russian drones in recent engagements, with a total of 19 drone violations recorded.
Tusk expressed concerns that the situation brought the region close to an open conflict not seen since World War Two. The downing of Russian drones over NATO territory marked a significant escalation since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Following a Russian drone incursion into Romanian airspace during an attack on Ukraine, Bucharest scrambled F-16 fighter jets along with German Eurofighter Typhoons to track the drone over NATO territory. The UK Foreign Office summoned Russia’s ambassador in London, condemning the airspace violations as unacceptable.
The UK reiterated its support for NATO’s efforts to enhance defense along its eastern flank, emphasizing solidarity with Ukraine. The Foreign Office warned Russia that any further aggression would be met with force.
Previously, six RAF Typhoon jets were deployed in Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced air policing mission, where they flew nearly 500 hours and conducted 20 scrambles in collaboration with Swedish aircraft.