On the night of September 19, 2025, the skies over Poland were anything but quiet. For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, British Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets soared over Polish territory as part of a NATO air defence mission, responding to a dramatic escalation: repeated Russian drone incursions into the airspace of Poland and other NATO countries. The operation, dubbed Eastern Sentry, marked a significant moment in the alliance’s post-Cold War history, underscoring both the volatility of the region and the resolve of NATO to defend its eastern flank.
This multinational operation was not just a show of force. It was a direct response to a series of alarming events. Earlier in September, a staggering nineteen Russian drones breached Polish airspace in a single day, prompting Warsaw to shoot down at least three of them. According to BBC, this incident was described by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as "the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two." The sense of urgency was palpable; NATO’s Article 4 was triggered, allowing member states to bring these concerns to the North Atlantic Council for discussion and coordinated action.
Britain’s involvement was swift and decisive. As reported by the UK Ministry of Defence and highlighted by The Telegraph, two RAF Typhoon fighter jets—bearing the call signs "chaos 1-1" and "chaos 1-2"—departed from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on the night of September 19, supported by an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The mission was meticulously coordinated, with the Voyager delivering 27.4 tonnes of fuel at 25,000 feet and speeds approaching 439 mph. The refuelling, described by personnel as "having a drink," was carried out north of Hamburg and again just 70 miles from the Belarusian border, right over the area where the drone incursions had occurred.
But the UK was not acting alone. Operation Eastern Sentry brought together British, Danish, French, and German aircraft, all working in concert to patrol and protect NATO’s eastern border. More than 400 UK personnel are supporting these patrolling missions across Eastern Europe, demonstrating the scale and seriousness of the alliance’s response. As Marshal Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, put it, "Our partnership with NATO has never been stronger. We remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range."
The timing of the RAF’s deployment added a layer of historical resonance. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, when Polish pilots flew alongside the RAF to defend the UK from German air attacks. UK Defence Secretary John Healey reflected on this legacy, stating, "It is especially poignant that RAF pilots and crew are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with Poland in defence of our shared security." He was unequivocal about the message being sent: "RAF Typhoons have now flown their first air defence mission over Poland, sending a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended." Healey also praised the British air crews, saying, "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."
The context for these actions is fraught. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, Russian drones and missiles have sporadically strayed into the airspace of countries bordering Ukraine, including Romania and Estonia. On September 14, Romania reported a Russian drone breach, and just days later, Estonia requested urgent consultations with NATO members after three Russian warplanes entered its airspace for twelve minutes without permission. Moscow, for its part, has denied or downplayed these violations, insisting it has "no plans to target" facilities in Poland or other NATO members. Yet, for those on the ground and in the air, the threat feels very real.
The Eastern Sentry mission was announced by NATO on September 10, 2025, following the wave of drone incursions into Poland. The urgency of the situation was underscored when UK Defence Secretary Healey confirmed Britain’s participation during a visit to RAF Brize Norton five days later. Describing Russia’s actions as "reckless, dangerous and unprecedented," Healey emphasized NATO’s unity: "When we are threatened, we respond together."
Operationally, the mission was a study in modern air warfare and alliance coordination. As the Typhoons patrolled near the borders with Belarus and Russia, the Voyager circled further inland, ready to provide fuel as needed. The refuelling process, coordinated by a mission system operator, involved the fighter jets positioning themselves just twelve meters away from the tanker—a delicate maneuver at high speeds and altitude. Pilots signed off each successful refuelling exercise with a cheerful "happy hunting," a small moment of levity amid the tension.
No significant incidents were reported during the UK’s first NATO policing mission over Poland, a testament to the professionalism of the crews involved and the deterrent effect of their presence. Yet, the message was unmistakable. As The Guardian noted, this was the first time a NATO member had directly engaged Russian drones since the Ukraine war began. The operation not only reinforced the alliance’s commitment to collective defense but also served as a warning to Moscow that further provocations would not go unanswered.
For Poland and its neighbors, the stakes could hardly be higher. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s warning about the proximity to open conflict was not mere rhetoric. The repeated violations of NATO airspace have raised the specter of a broader confrontation, one that all parties are keen to avoid but must be prepared for. The RAF’s mission, alongside those of Denmark, France, and Germany, represents both a shield and a signal—a demonstration of resolve and readiness in uncertain times.
Looking ahead, more than 400 UK personnel will continue to support NATO’s patrolling missions in Eastern Europe, ensuring that the alliance remains vigilant and capable of responding to any threat. As Marshal Smyth concluded, "This sortie marks the RAF’s first operational mission on Eastern Sentry, reinforcing the UK’s steadfast commitment to NATO and its allies." The skies over Poland may be calm for now, but the alliance’s eyes—and jets—remain watchful.
