UK sends Typhoon fighter jets to Poland after Russian drone attack
Photo: UK deploys Typhoon fighter jets to Poland (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom will join NATO’s new mission Eastern Sentry in Poland, deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to help secure the country’s airspace, according to the UK Ministry of Defense and Sky News.
"Typhoons will join allies and fly air defence missions over Poland as part of Eastern Sentry following Russia's reckless and dangerous drone incursion into Poland last week," the ministry said.
The Typhoons will be supported by an RAF Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft from Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire. The ministry did not specify the number of jets being sent.
"Russia's reckless behaviour is a direct threat to European security and a violation of international law, which is why the UK will support NATO's efforts to bolster its eastern flank through Eastern Sentry," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
According to him, the deployment is not just a show of force.
"They are vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace, and protecting our national security and that of our allies," Starmer stressed.
Operation Eastern Sentry
On September 12, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster Europe’s eastern defenses in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace on September 10.
He noted that the mission will include various resources, including air and ground bases. However, Eastern Sentry does not involve integration with Ukraine’s air defenses.
The operation officially began in Poland on September 13.
The Polish General Staff released footage of a French A-400 transport aircraft delivering weapons for Rafale jets already stationed in Poland.
The mission will include allied forces from Denmark, France, the UK, and Germany.
