UK to Fly Air Defence Missions Over Poland After Russian Drone Incursions

The United Kingdom has committed to flying Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets on air defence missions over Poland in response to recent incursions by Russian drones into NATO airspace. The deployment forms part of the alliance’s broader “Eastern Sentry” mission, aimed at bolstering air defence along NATO’s eastern flank.

What Prompted the Deployment

The decision follows multiple drone violations of Polish airspace that raised alarm among NATO members. On 10 September 2025, several unmanned aerial vehicles, widely reported to be Russian, breached Polish sovereignty. Soon after, another drone crossed briefly into Romanian airspace. These breaches triggered diplomatic protests, emergency meetings under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, and calls for a stronger protective posture from alliance members.

Details of the UK’s Contribution

• RAF Typhoon jets will be based out of **RAF Coningsby** in Lincolnshire.
• They will be supported by a **Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft** from RAF Brize Norton. This ensures extended range and endurance for patrols.
• The missions will be flown in coordination with a multinational force, including aircraft from **Denmark, France, Germany** and other NATO allies, under the Eastern Sentry operation.
• The primary tasks are to deter, detect, and if necessary **intercept drones or other aerial threats** that violate alliance airspace. Rules of engagement include authority to respond to incursions.

Reactions & Diplomatic Fallout

The UK government has condemned the drone incursions as “unprecedented violations” of NATO airspace and as acts that threaten European security and violate international law. Prime Minister **Sir Keir Starmer** described the move as essential for deterrence and for reinforcing NATO’s eastern defences.

Poland’s Prime Minister **Donald Tusk** said the incursions had brought his nation “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two,” highlighting the gravity with which Warsaw views the drone events. Romania, too, reported airspace violations, emphasizing that this is not merely a Poland-specific issue, but a collective NATO concern.

Russia has responded by denying intentional targeting, with claims that some drones were misdirected due to signal jamming or technical faults. However, NATO and allied governments have largely dismissed these as insufficient explanations given the scale and frequency of the incidents.

Strategic Implications

This deployment underscores several evolving dynamics in European security:

• Escalation of unmanned threats: Drones, including possibly state-sponsored UAVs, are now being used not only over conflict zones but also to probe defensive thresholds and provoke responses.
• Importance of air-refuelling and force projection: Having support aircraft like Voyagers enables mission sustainability, especially when assets are deployed away from home bases.
• NATO’s eastern flank in focus: The Eastern Sentry mission is a signal that alliance members view the security of Poland, Romania, the Baltics and neighboring states as mission-critical. It also reflects alliance unity and readiness.
• Risk of miscalculation: While the UK and NATO emphasise deterrence, there remains a danger of incidents spiraling if drones or other aircraft are intercepted, damaged or destroyed, especially if the origin is disputed.

What Comes Next

The new patrols are expected to begin “in the coming days,” once logistics are in place. Monitoring systems, integrated radar, AWACS / NATO early-warning assets, and ground based air defences will all play complementary roles.

Further diplomatic steps are already underway: the UK has summoned Russia’s ambassador in response to what it described as “reckless behaviour,” and is reinforcing that further incursions will be met with force. Meanwhile, Poland has invoked NATO’s Article 4, triggering consultations among member states.

Analysts suggest that the deployment may also accelerate plans by NATO to invest in counter-drone systems, air-defence infrastructure, and to refine rules of engagement for low-altitude aerial threats. The UK’s participation reinforces its role in European defence, particularly under the Starmer government.