Headlines
UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on September 20, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Tags:UK economy
Quick Summary
UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, responding to Russian airspace violations. The UK aims to strengthen NATO's eastern defences.
UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland
UK's NATO Air Defense Mission
By Muvija M
Response to Russian Airspace Violations
LONDON (Reuters) -British fighter jets have flown their first NATO air defence sortie over Poland as part of NATO's Eastern Sentry mission, the government said, aimed at strengthening the Western alliance's defences following a Russian drone incursion this month.
UK's Commitment to Defense Spending
The mission, announced on Monday by the UK government in the immediate aftermath of the incursions into Polish airspace, sends "a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended," defence minister John Healey said in a statement.
Regional Tensions in Europe
Two Royal Air Force Typhoons took off from a British military base in eastern England on Friday night to patrol Polish skies and deter and defend against aerial threats from Russia, including drones, the statement said, adding that they returned safely to the UK early Saturday morning.
The British government said it was a response to the "most significant violation" of NATO airspace by Russian President Putin to date since his illegal full-scale war in Ukraine.
UK SAYS IT REMAINS AGILE AND READY
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, said the British jets joined allies along NATO's eastern flank, adding: "We remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range."
The UK government has promised to boost defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, in a signal to U.S. President Donald Trump that Britain can help boost Europe's security. Trump has criticised European nations for not spending enough on defence and relying instead on the United States.
The UK mission over Poland also comes amid heightened tensions elsewhere in Europe, with NATO-member Estonia saying on Friday that three Russian military jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes in an "unprecedentedly brazen" incursion.
Healey condemned that on Friday, saying Russia's "latest reckless and dangerous activity is the third violation of NATO airspace in recent days."
Russia's Defence Ministry denied its jets violated Estonian airspace, saying they flew over neutral waters.
(Reporting by Muvija MEditing by Mark Potter)
Key Takeaways
- •UK jets patrol Polish skies as part of NATO's Eastern Sentry mission.
- •Mission responds to Russian airspace violations.
- •UK commits to increasing defence spending to 2.6% of GDP.
- •Heightened tensions with Russia in Europe.
- •NATO airspace defence emphasized by UK government.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland
1What is the purpose of the UK's NATO air defense mission?
The mission aims to strengthen NATO's airspace defense in response to incursions into Polish airspace, sending a clear signal that NATO airspace will be defended.
2What prompted the UK to increase its defense spending?
The UK government has promised to boost defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, signaling its commitment to enhancing Europe's security amidst rising tensions.
3How did Russia respond to the accusations of airspace violations?
Russia's Defence Ministry denied the allegations, claiming that their jets flew over neutral waters and did not violate Estonian airspace.
4What did the Chief of the Air Staff say about the UK's readiness?
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth stated that the British jets remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range alongside NATO allies.
5What recent incidents have increased tensions in Europe?
Tensions have heightened due to multiple violations of NATO airspace by Russian military jets, including a recent incident involving Estonia.
