RAF Jets Conduct Air Defence Mission Over Poland Following Russian Airspace Incursions

British Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets have completed an air defence mission over Poland, part of a concerted NATO response to a series of Russian drone and warplane incursions into allied airspace. The deployment, which saw RAF Typhoon jets patrol Polish skies on Friday night, underscores the military alliance’s commitment to bolstering its eastern flank amid rising tensions.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the operation, stating it sent “a clear signal: Nato airspace will be defended.” Defence Secretary John Healey praised the British pilots and air crew for their role in defending allies from what he termed “reckless Russian aggression.” Two Typhoon jets, supported by an RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft, launched from RAF Coningsby before returning to the UK early Saturday morning.

This mission follows NATO’s announcement on September 10 of “Eastern Sentry,” a strengthened air defence initiative, after 19 Russian drones were detected in Polish airspace last week. The UK confirmed its participation five days later. The recent violations have included a Russian drone breach in Romanian airspace on September 14, and three Russian warplanes entering Estonian airspace on Friday, prompting an urgent consultation under NATO’s Article 4.

Moscow continues to deny or downplay these incidents, maintaining it has no plans to target facilities in Poland. However, the incursion of 19 drones into Poland marked the most significant incident of its kind since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Poland successfully shooting down three. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described it as “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two,” highlighting the gravity of the situation.

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