UK authorities have confirmed that British Typhoon fighter jets will participate in NATO’s Operation Eastern Guardian to reinforce the North Atlantic Alliance’s eastern borders. Their task will be to take part in air defence of Poland against possible threats from Russian drones, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on 15 September.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, announcing the start of the Eastern Guardian mission on 12 September, named the UK among its participants, but no details were given at the time.
According to a British statement, the Typhoons will join Poland’s defence “days after the reckless and dangerous incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace – President Putin’s most significant violation of NATO airspace to date”. Around 20 allegedly Russian drones invaded Polish airspace during an attack in Ukraine on the night of 10 September. Russia denies they were its drones.
The British military indicates that Typhoon fighter jets will begin flying missions over Poland over the next few days. It is noted that Britain made these commitments following consultations initiated by Poland under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
The message does not specify how many fighter jets will participate in the mission. Earlier it was reported that Poland’s airspace will be patrolled by two Danish F-16s, three French Rafale fighters and four German Eurofighters.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki on 14 September approved the deployment of NATO troops in the country. According to the National Security Bureau, the decision concerns Operation Eastern Guardian.