UK jets patrolling Polish airspace in response to Russian drone incursions

British Typhoon fighter jets carried out their first combat sortie as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, patrolling airspace over Poland, Caliber.Az reports per Reuters.

Two Royal Air Force aircraft took off from an eastern England base on the evening of September 19 and returned on the morning of September 20.

The mission aims to strengthen the defence of NATO’s eastern flank and comes in response to what has been described as the “most significant airspace violation” by Russia since the full-scale war in Ukraine began. On September 10, nearly two dozen Russian drones violated Polish airspace, with some penetrating nearly 300 km into the country.

UK Defence Secretary John Gillie said the operation sends a “clear signal” that NATO airspace will be protected. The mission will also integrate air and ground defence and enhance intelligence-sharing among Alliance members.

By Khagan Isayev