UK jets join 12-hour mission with US, NATO along Russian border

Britain announced on Saturday that two Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft conducted a 12-hour mission earlier this week in coordination with U.S. and NATO forces to patrol the Russian border, in response to recent Russian drone and aircraft incursions into NATO airspace.

“This was a substantial joint mission with our U.S. and NATO allies,” Defence Minister John Healey said, according to Reuters.

He added, “Not only does this provide valuable intelligence to boost the operational awareness of our Armed Forces, but it also sends a powerful message of NATO unity to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and our adversaries.”

The mission involved an RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane, flying from the Arctic region past Belarus and Ukraine, with in-flight support from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refuelling aircraft.

Britain emphasised that the operation followed multiple incursions into the airspaces of NATO member states, including Poland, Romania, and Estonia.

Earlier this month, European Union leaders endorsed measures to enhance the bloc’s defences against Russian drone activity.

By Tamilla Hasanova