The UK is set to deploy RAF jets to Poland in response to escalating tensions with Russia. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced this decision during an interview with Channel 4 News, highlighting the need for enhanced air defence following recent violations of Polish airspace by Russian drones.

Starmer stated, "That is the right thing to do. The wrong thing to do would be to ignore this increased aggression from [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, from Russia." He referenced previous attacks, including the bombing of the British Council in Kyiv and strikes on the EU embassy, emphasising that the situation is not isolated.

He added, "It’s absolutely clear that the Russians are ramping up the aggression. It’s very important that, with our NATO allies, we respond appropriately to that and that’s what we’re doing today."

The RAF Typhoon jets will participate in NATO's "Eastern Sentry" mission, patrolling Polish airspace alongside aircraft from Denmark, France, and Germany. They will be supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Defence Secretary John Healey affirmed the UK's commitment, stating, "The UK is fully committed to playing its part in Eastern Sentry, increasing our military presence on NATO’s eastern flank even further."

Over the weekend, Polish and NATO aircraft intercepted at least three drones, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reporting a total of 19 drone incursions. Tusk warned, "This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two." This incident marks the first time Russian drones have been downed over NATO territory since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a related incident, a Russian drone breached Romanian airspace during an attack on Ukraine, prompting Bucharest to scramble F-16 fighter jets. The Romanian Defence Ministry reported that the drone was tracked for 50 minutes before returning to Ukrainian airspace.

In response to these incursions, the UK Foreign Office summoned Russia’s ambassador in London, Andrei Kelin, condemning the actions as an "unprecedented violation" of Polish and Romanian airspace. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated, "Russia should understand that its continued aggression only strengthens the unity between NATO allies and our determination to stand with Ukraine, and any further incursions will again be met with force."

This situation continues to develop as NATO allies coordinate their response to the increased threats.