NATO on high alert as UK pledges action against Russian drone intrusions

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said NATO was “responding with unity and strength” to the threats and that Typhoons would be ready to attack Russian drones flying over NATO countries if required to do so.

“If you’ve got drones that are putting Polish lives at risk, then NATO will take the action to take them out,” Healey said while touring a military drone production facility operated by Tekever in Swindon, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Healey emphasised that RAF Typhoon jets stand ready to attack any Russian drones flying over NATO territory, if necessary, as part of a broader mission “to defend NATO airspace.”

The statements come amid rising tensions after Russian drones breached Polish airspace last week. Over the weekend, Romania also reported detecting a Russian drone intrusion. Healey confirmed that Typhoon missions may be extended to Romania if deemed necessary.

He further clarified: “They are deployed as part of the NATO Eastern Sentry air policing. What NATO decides to and where it decides to deploy them will be for NATO. That’s part of our contribution to the alliance.”

When asked whether the drone incursion into Poland was intentional, Healey responded:

“There’s no firm confirmation on intent, but in the end that’s not the point. It’s still reckless, it’s still dangerous.”

He added that it was “straight out of the [Vladimir] Putin playbook.”

The UK’s posture reflects growing alarm over recent Russian drone activity and its implications for NATO’s eastern flank. Under “Operation Eastern Sentry,” NATO allies are bolstering air-defence capacity in response to repeated airspace violations.

Alongside fighter jets, support elements such as refuelling aircraft are being readied to enable persistent missions over Poland. 

By Vafa Guliyeva