British fighters will carry out air defence missions over Poland in order to counter air threats from Russia, including drones, as part of NATO's operation “East Guard”, informed the Ministry of Defence of large Britain. The RAF Typhoons will join fighters from Denmark, France and Germany, among others, who will besides defender the safety of the Alliance's east flank.
– Russia's irresponsible behaviour poses a direct threat to Europe's safety and to the violation of global law, and the UK will so support NATO's efforts to strengthen its east flank through the east defender mission," said Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister. The decision to set up an operation ("Eastern Sentry") was made after last week. Russian drone attacks in Polish airspace.
Eurofighter Typhoon fighters will operate from RAF Coningsby base in Lincolnshire and will begin flights over Poland in the coming days. They will be supported by RAF Voyager air tankers from RAF Brize Norton.
– These planes are not only a demonstration of force, but besides a key to deterring aggressors, securing NATO airspace and protecting our national safety and safety of our allies," said Starmer.
UK Prime Minister assured that his country would proceed to consistently support Ukraine and increase Putin's force until a fair and lasting peace was achieved. – The UK is full committed to its function within the framework Operation east Guard by expanding even more our military presence on the east flank of NATO – provided British defence minister John Healey. “Our advanced Typhoon fighters will aid to halt Russian aggression and, if necessary, defend NATO airspace, ensuring Britain's safety and strength abroad, which is the basis for our “change plan”, Healey added, referring to the government's Plan for Change strategy presented by the Prime Minister in December 2024.
In the past 18 months, UK Typhoony protected NATO airspace, among others, as part of an enhanced air surveillance mission (enhanced Air Police), stationed at 22th Tactical Aviation Base in Malbork and Romania. Apart from the RAF Typhoons, French Rafale, Danish F-16 and German Typhoons will participate in the east defender mission.
"East Guard" is simply a consequence to multiple violations of airspace by Russian drones, which invaded Poland on the night of 9th to 10th September. The intent of NATO operations is to strengthen the east flank of NATO in the face of Russia's aggressive actions. The Operational Command of the RSZ underlines that the Alliance's actions are not limited to responding to individual events. It is simply a system-based strengthening of resilience and combat preparedness – from expanding the presence of fighters and frigates in the Baltic, through developing anti-aircraft defence systems to the implementation of fresh anti-drone and cybernetic technologies.
