On September 21, 2025, NATO carried out its first air defense mission with British fighter jets over Poland territory, in direct response to the recent incursion of Russian drones into Poland’s airspace.
Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets, supported by a Voyager aircraft, took off from Coningsby base in Lincolnshire as part of Operation Eastern Sentinel. Their mission: to patrol Polish skies, deter aerial threats, and reaffirm that “NATO airspace will be defended,” according to UK Defense Minister John Healey.
The mission comes amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe, where Poland, Romania, and Estonia have reported Russian drone incursions, described as serious violations of sovereignty. This deployment symbolizes not only a military response, but also a clear political message: NATO is ready to act against indirect threats.
What are the implications of this British mission for NATO’s collective security?
The answer: this operation strengthens deterrence on the eastern flank, showing that allied members can respond swiftly to provocations. It also enhances military coordination among NATO countries and sends a strong signal to Russia that attacks, even those involving drones, will not go unanswered militarily or diplomatically.
