RAF Typhoons Commence Air Defence Patrols Over Poland Amid Escalating Russia-NATO Tensions
RAF Typhoons Commence Air Defence Patrols Over Poland Amid Escalating Russia-NATO Tensions
Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets have commenced air defence missions over Poland, joining NATO allies in bolstering the alliance’s eastern flank following a significant Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace last week. This rapid deployment underscores NATO’s unified response to heightened tensions in the region.
The deployment comes after Poland accused Russia of sending 19 drones into its territory, an incident Moscow insists was not deliberate. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the gravity, stating, “The message to Moscow is clear. Putin tested NATO, NATO responded with unity, and the UK will play our full part.” He described Russia’s actions as “reckless, dangerous, and unprecedented.”
Operating out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and supported by RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft, the UK Typhoons integrate with Danish F-16s, French Rafales, and German Eurofighters. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer affirmed the mission, codenamed Eastern Sentry, as “vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace, and protecting our national security and that of our allies.”
The drone incident, which saw initial indications of Gerbera ‘decoy’ drones with no casualties, led Poland to invoke NATO’s Article 4. Urgent talks on September 10 resulted in the alliance’s commitment to significantly boost its eastern defences. This marks the most serious such event since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, and the first direct engagement of Russian drones by a NATO member. Separately, Romania, also a NATO member, reported a Russian drone breach of its airspace on Sunday.
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