London has announced that Typhoon warplanes will be deployed to assist Warsaw in countering “aerial threats” from Moscow.
Following Poland’s accusation of a significant drone incursion by Russia, the UK will deploy Eurofighter Typhoon jets to patrol Polish airspace, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement on Monday.
The UK government stated that these jets will join French Rafales, German Eurofighters, and Danish F-16s in the coming days as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry operation. Operating from Coningsby airbase in eastern England, with support from Voyager air-to-air refueling tankers, they will monitor “aerial threats from Russia, including drones,” the statement read.
Starmer stated that “These aircraft are not just a show of strength; they are vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace, and protecting our national security and that of our allies,” while accusing Russia of “reckless behavior” on NATO’s eastern border.
The Czech Republic has already dispatched three helicopters to Poland, and Spain, Italy, and Sweden have pledged further assistance.
Poland has alleged that at least 19 Russian drones entered its airspace on September 9, a claim that Moscow denies. Reuters reported that an anonymous Polish military official identified the UAVs as Gerbera decoy drones, which are frequently used to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses.
Speaking at the UN Security Council last week, Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia dismissed the allegations as “unfounded.”
Russia and Belarus are scheduled to conclude their joint Zapad 2025 military exercise on Tuesday. Approximately 13,000 troops are participating. Moscow and Minsk have refuted Western claims that the drill is a rehearsal for invasion, dismissing them as “hysteria.”
Poland initiated its own Iron Defender 25 drill last month, involving roughly 30,000 troops, including soldiers from other NATO countries.
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