British Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets have carried out their first NATO air defence patrol over Poland, as part of Operation Eastern Sentry. The mission comes in direct response to a recent
Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace—one of the most serious violations of NATO territory since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On Friday night, two Typhoons took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, accompanied by an RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft, to patrol Polish skies. Their mission was to deter and defend against potential aerial threats, including drones launched from Russia. After completing the operation, the jets returned safely to the UK early Saturday morning.
The flights mark the UK’s first operational involvement in Eastern Sentry following Russia’s repeated airspace breaches in the region. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the UK’s commitment during a visit to RAF Brize Norton earlier this week, where he met some of the 400 RAF personnel supporting the mission.
This operation coincides with the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain—a moment of shared history between Britain and Poland. During the Second World War, Polish pilots famously flew alongside the RAF in one of the largest and most effective foreign contingents. Today, the UK is standing with Poland once again, this time against modern Russian aggression.
The move follows an emergency NATO meeting, where Poland invoked Article 4 of the Washington Treaty to request consultations after the drone incursion. Allies expressed unanimous support and pledged to strengthen collective defences.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
“RAF Typhoons have now flown their first air defence mission over Poland, sending a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended.
I’m proud of the outstanding British pilots and air crew who took part in this successful operation to defend our Allies from reckless Russian aggression.
This weekend, as we honour the heroism of the Battle of Britain generation, it is especially poignant that RAF pilots and crew are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with Poland in defence of our shared security – making us secure at home and strong abroad”.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, said:
“Our partnership with NATO has never been stronger. This sortie marks the RAF’s first operational mission on Eastern Sentry, reinforcing the UK’s steadfast commitment to NATO and its allies.
RAF Typhoons, supported by Voyager air-air refuelling aircraft, joined allies along the eastern flank to bolster NATO’s defence and deterrence.
We remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range”.
The UK government has also highlighted that this period marks a turning point for defence, with rising threats demanding greater investment. By 2027, defence spending will increase to 2.6% of GDP—the largest sustained rise since the Cold War.
British forces continue to play a major role in NATO operations. Alongside its air policing missions, the UK maintains a significant presence in Estonia as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces. Over the past 18 months, RAF Typhoons have deployed to both Poland and Romania to safeguard Alliance airspace.
The Typhoon jets are equipped with advanced radar, sensors, and infrared-guided ASRAAM missiles, enabling them to detect, track, and intercept hostile aircraft or drones quickly and effectively. Photo by SAC Andrew Seaward/MOD, Wikimedia commons.