UK fighter jets have commenced their inaugural NATO policing mission over Poland, following recent violations of the country's airspace by Russian drones. The operation began on Friday night, with RAF Typhoons departing from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. This mission is particularly significant as it comes in the wake of 19 drones being shot down in the region earlier this month.

The UK Government announced additional air defence support for Poland, highlighting the importance of this operation. The fighter jets, operating under the call signs "chaos 1-1" and "chaos 1-2", patrolled areas near Belarusian and Russian airspace. So far, no significant incidents have been reported during this first NATO "Eastern Sentry" operation.

The mission follows a series of alarming events, including a Russian drone entering Polish airspace and another being intercepted over Romania. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed concerns, stating that the country is closer to "open conflict" than it has been since the Second World War. Additionally, Estonia's foreign ministry reported that three Russian jets entered its airspace without permission, remaining there for 12 minutes.

The UK's involvement is part of a broader NATO effort, with missions also being coordinated with Denmark, France, and Germany. The RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft supported the Typhoons, conducting refuelling operations without incident. The Voyager delivered 27.4 tonnes of fuel to the fighter jets, which were positioned just 12 metres away during the process.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated, "RAF Typhoons have now flown their first air defence mission over Poland, sending a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended." He praised the British pilots and crew for their role in the operation, emphasising the importance of standing in solidarity with Poland against Russian aggression.

More than 400 UK personnel are set to support NATO patrolling missions in Eastern Europe. Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, remarked on the strength of the partnership with NATO, stating, "This sortie marks the RAF's first operational mission on Eastern Sentry, reinforcing the UK's steadfast commitment to NATO and its allies."

As tensions continue to rise in the region, the UK’s military presence aims to bolster security and demonstrate solidarity with its allies.