Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
RAF Typhoons to Patrol Polish Airspace in NATO Mission
British Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets have been deployed to Poland to patrol its airspace as part of a NATO enhanced air policing mission on the alliance’s eastern flank. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the UK-built Typhoon jets arrived in eastern Poland on Tuesday from RAF Lossiemouth to participate in the operation.
UK and Sweden Join Forces for NATO Air Policing
According to the MoD, six UK Typhoon fighter jets from II (AC) Squadron will operate alongside Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter jets. Defence Minister Lord Coaker met with Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Marcin Kosiniak-Kamysz and Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson on Tuesday. The meeting served to underscore the UK’s dedication to European security and to formally commence the joint air policing operation.
UK’s Commitment to NATO Security
Lord Coaker stated that “The UK’s commitment to NATO is unwavering. Faced with escalating threats and heightened Russian aggression, it is crucial that we stand united with our allies.”
“This latest air policing mission in Poland demonstrates the UK’s capability to operate effectively with Sweden, NATO’s newest member, and to deter shared adversaries across the alliance’s airspace. This collective effort is vital for maintaining security both domestically and internationally.”
First Joint NATO Air Policing Mission with Sweden
This deployment marks the inaugural occasion of Swedish fighter jets participating in air policing operations on the territory of another NATO ally since Sweden’s accession to the alliance in 2024.
Previous RAF NATO Air Policing Deployments
In April 2024, six Typhoon fighter jets, accompanied by over 200 personnel, were stationed in Romania to bolster NATO’s eastern border.
Subsequently, in August 2024, four F-35B jets were deployed to Iceland, reinforcing NATO airspace in the north.
RAF Typhoons and Voyagers also routinely conduct NATO air policing within the UK through the Quick Reaction Alert Force, operating from RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton.