• British RAF Typhoon jets deployed for NATO's Eastern Sentry mission over Poland
• Mission follows significant Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace
• Defense Secretary warns of increasing Russian aggression in the region

British fighter jets have conducted their first NATO air defense mission over Poland in response to escalating tensions following recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. The deployment of RAF Typhoon jets was announced as part of the Eastern Sentry mission, which aims to bolster NATO's defensive posture along its eastern flank. Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the operation sends "a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended," emphasizing the alliance's commitment to collective security, according to BBC, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

The mission was initiated after the detection of 19 drones entering Polish airspace, marking the most serious violation of NATO's airspace by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Healey characterized these incursions as "reckless and dangerous," reiterating that the UK remains prepared to defend its allies. Two Typhoons took off from a base in eastern England on Friday night, patrolling Polish skies before returning to the UK early Saturday, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

As tensions escalate, other NATO members, such as Estonia, have reported unauthorized incursions by Russian military jets, further underscoring the precarious security situation in the region. On Friday, three Russian jets were said to have violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting condemnation from NATO officials. Healey described this activity as the third violation in several days, intensifying calls for reinforced collective defense measures, according to BBC and Reuters.

The UK's commitment to this mission is part of a broader strategy to increase defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, aiming to enhance the security of European allies. This funding boost comes as a response to international calls from leaders such as US President Donald Trump, who has criticized European nations for inadequate defense spending. "We remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range," stated Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, assuring the UK's military readiness, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.