Clear Signal: NATO Airspace Will Be Defended! British Jets Patrol Poland Amid Airspace Violations By Russia
Royal Air Force Typhoon patrolled the skies over Poland as part of NATO's Eastern Sentry mission. Image courtesy: Gov.uk
British fighter jets have conducted their first NATO air defence sortie over Poland under the alliance’s Eastern Sentry mission, the UK government confirmed on Saturday (September 20, 2025). The move follows a Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace earlier this month. After that, Romania and Estonia too have reported similar violations.
The United Kingdom has described the move as the “most significant violation” of NATO territory since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Defence Minister John Healey said the Royal Air Force Typhoons deployment sends “a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended.”
What was the scope of the British mission?
Two Royal Air Force Typhoon jets took off from eastern England on Friday (September 19, 2025) night, patrolled Polish skies, and returned safely early Saturday. According to Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, the operation showcased NATO’s ability to remain “agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range.”
How serious are the Russian airspace breaches?
The British sortie comes amid a flurry of Russian provocations. Just hours before, Estonia accused three Russian military jets of violating its airspace for 12 minutes in what officials called an “unprecedentedly brazen” incursion. This was the third breach of NATO airspace in recent days, raising concerns about Moscow’s deliberate testing of the alliance’s resolve.
Russia’s Defence Ministry has denied the allegations, insisting its aircraft flew only over neutral waters. “The flight was carried out in strict conformity with international rules governing airspace with no violation of the borders of other states,” the Russian Defence Ministry stated in a post on Telegram.
What signal Is the UK sending with its sortie?
Britain has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, partly in response to US pressure. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for failing to carry their share of the security burden. London’s stepped-up role aims to reassure Washington while demonstrating NATO’s credibility on its eastern flank.
The UK government further underlined that their national security, the foundation of the government’s Plan for Change, starts with an unwavering commitment to NATO and Euro-Atlantic security. “The UK’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable. British Armed Forces continue to play a leading role in the Alliance,” it added.
Could this escalate NATO-Russia tensions further?
With back-to-back violations of Polish and Estonian airspace, NATO allies warn that Russia’s pattern of “reckless and dangerous activity” risks sparking unintended escalation. For now, Western governments are responding with visible shows of force, but questions remain over whether deterrence will be enough or if Moscow is deliberately raising the stakes along NATO’s borders.
Over the past 18 months, the RAF has deployed Typhoons to both Poland and Romania to protect NATO airspace.
It is worth noting here that Typhoons are equipped with advanced sensors and infrared-guided ASRAAM missiles (Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles), making them ideally suited to detecting, monitoring and intercepting potential aerial threats.
