Russia’s latest infraction upon international borders saw Soviet drones shot down earlier this month, with British jets backing up ally Poland through weekend-long patrols through their airspace
The Royal Air Force sent jets to Poland this weekend, following the obliteration of Russian drones that entered Polish airspace. Putin’s drones were shot down earlier this month after crossing the Polish border.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to X to share news of a calculated response, writing “Preventative operations of aviation – Polish and allied – have begun in our airspace. Ground-based air defence systems have reached the highest state of readiness.”
The ‘allied’ operations include that of the RAF, with two British fighter jets taking off from Lincolnshire’s Coningsby base on Friday night. Supported by an RAF Voyager aircraft, the planes’ mission was explained simply: “to patrol Polish skies and deter and defend against aerial threats from Russia “.
Upon its announcement, the Ministry of Defence said the mission aimed to strengthen defences on NATO’s eastern flank following Russia’s “reckless” drone invasion of Poland.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said in a statement: “RAF Typhoons have now flown their first air defence mission over Poland, sending a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended.
“I’m proud of the outstanding British pilots and air crew who took part in this successful operation to defend our Allies from reckless Russian aggression.
“This weekend, as we honour the heroism of the Battle of Britain generation, it is especially poignant that RAF pilots and crew are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with Poland in defence of our shared security – making us secure at home and strong abroad.”
The aircrafts returned to the UK on Saturday after a successful mission.
Russia has also recently sent drones to two other NATO countries – Romania and Estonia – as tensions mount over the Kremlin’s audacious use of airspace.
Czech president Petr Pavel has also weighed in on the situation, calling for more Russian aircrafts to be shot down if necessary.
The former Army General said: “What has happened in recent days in Poland, Estonia, what has been happening in Ukraine for the fourth year is a matter for all of us, because if we do not stand together, sooner or later it will happen to us too…
“And that includes a military response. Russia will very quickly realize that it has made a mistake and has crossed acceptable boundaries.
“Unfortunately, it is teetering on the edge of conflict, but it is simply impossible to give in to evil.”
Russia denied its jets violated Estonian airspace, saying they flew over neutral waters.
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