The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence confirmed its Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets have joined a NATO air defense mission. These powerful planes now patrol the skies over Poland. This move comes as a direct response to several recent incursions by Russian drones into NATO airspace.
The mission began Friday night. British Typhoon fighter jets flew over Poland as part of a wider NATO effort. Their job is to strengthen the alliance’s eastern defenses. Tensions have been rising because Russia has repeatedly violated the airspace of NATO member nations this month. Drones were spotted over Romania, and Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace. Russia has either denied these incidents or downplayed their seriousness.
John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, stated that sending the RAF jets sends a clear message. He said, “NATO airspace will be protected.” Healey also praised the British pilots and ground crew. He said they are doing excellent work protecting allies from “reckless Russian aggression.”
Two fighter jets from RAF Coningsby in England took part in the patrol. A Voyager refueling aircraft supported them in the air. The planes then returned to England early on Saturday.
NATO named this defense effort “Eastern Sentry” when it announced the mission on September 10. This was after a single day saw an alarming 19 Russian drone incursions over Poland. That event was the most severe of its kind. It marked the first direct confrontation between a NATO member and Russian drones since the conflict began. Polish forces managed to shoot down three of the drones.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as “the closest to full-scale war since World War II.” Mr. Healey echoed this concern. He stressed, “When we are threatened, we will respond together.” He also called Russia’s actions “reckless, dangerous, and unprecedented.”
Air Marshal Harv Smyth, who commands the UK Air Force, added that NATO cooperation is currently “the strongest it has ever been.” He also affirmed that the UK is “ready to project air power at any distance.” Smyth drew a powerful historical parallel. He noted that 85 years ago, Polish pilots bravely fought alongside the RAF during the Battle of Britain. They defended British skies from German attacks in World War II. Today, he observed, both nations stand together again to ensure their shared security.
ที่มา BBC
