UK fighter jets start patrolling skies over Poland

Reuters reported the information.

UK Defense Minister John Healey stressed that this operation is “a clear signal” that “NATO airspace will be defended.”

On Friday evening, two UK fighter jets took off from a military base in eastern England and carried out tasks to ensure the security of Polish airspace, including repelling potential threats from Russian drones. Both jets returned to the UK early on Saturday morning, September 20.

London emphasized that the mission was a response to Russia's “most significant violation” of NATO airspace since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine.

Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, noted that their forces are acting in coordination with allies on the eastern flank of the Alliance: “We remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range.”

In addition, the UK government has confirmed its intention to increase defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027. This move is intended to strengthen European security and deflect criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly reproached European partners for insufficient defense funding.

Russian Shaheds in Polish airspace. Background

Polish Armed Forces’ Operational Command put air defense systems and aviation on highest alert due to Russia’s night attack on Ukraine: Russian drones violated the country’s airspace.

As a result of a Russian attack on the night of September 10, drone debris fell on a residential building in a village in Poland’s Lublin Voivodeship. No one was injured.

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to help Poland develop an alert and air defense system. Meanwhile, European Commission President von der Leyen announces the EU will build a “drone wall” on the Russia border.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the violation of Poland’s airspace by Russian drones, stating that Kyiv had warned Warsaw about the UAV movements.

On Wednesday, September 10, NATO activated Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after Russian drones violated Polish territory.

Experts say the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace marks a dangerous new chapter in Russia's war against Ukraine, now stretching into its fourth year.

On Saturday, September 20, fragments of a Russian drone were found in Poland after it violated the NATO member’s airspace on September 10. The wreckage had remained in a field near residential buildings for days before being discovered.