British fighter jets could take to the skies over Ukraine, according to proposals discussed in a recent meeting involving Sir Keir Starmer and key military planners. The discussions focused on sending British Typhoon jets to provide crucial air cover for troops on the ground, reflecting a proactive stance amidst uncertainties about U.S. military support.
The meeting at Permanent Joint Headquarters on March 20th attracted over 30 nations, establishing what officials term a "coalition of the willing". This coalition aims to enhance support for Ukraine as it continues to face significant challenges in its warfare against Russian aggression.
Starmer's discussions follow France's President Emmanuel Macron, who is contemplating alternatives to a ground troop deployment alongside Starmer. At a recent European Council summit, Macron expressed interest in possibly having a United Nations-led mission to secure peace in Ukraine, although details remain fluid.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the necessity of military readiness, stating: "The political momentum that we’ve built up is being translated here into military planning and operational planning, and broadly broken out into different areas.” He noted that military preparation has been categorized across sea, air, land, borders, and regeneration efforts for Ukraine.
As part of these preparations, Starmer pledged that British troops could be deployed on the ground if a peace agreement is negotiated between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This pledge underscores the urgency to establish military protocols to ensure safety and efficacy on the ground.
A senior RAF source indicated that discussions about air cover took place, highlighting, “We would never send British troops out on the ground without giving them air cover.” The RAF plans to utilize either Typhoons or their more advanced F-35s for aerial surveillance and protection, crucial for any foreign troops operating in Ukraine.
The RAF is expected to send six Typhoon aircraft to Poland in the upcoming weeks as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence, conducting air-to-air policing missions in Eastern Europe.
Amid these developments, uncertainty surrounding U.S. military support has heightened. Trump has signaled a reluctance to provide air cover, instead urging European allies to bear more of the responsibility in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. In an environment where every military move is closely scrutinized, the need for Britain to take the lead in air support appears compelling.
Starmer stressed the importance of timely military planning, declaring, “We know one thing for certain, which is a deal without anything behind it is something that Putin will breach.” His comments reflect past experiences where agreements have collapsed under pressure.
As part of the conference's key priorities, the coalition aims to secure Ukraine’s airspace while also addressing challenges in the Black Sea, ensuring safe navigation and international waters rights. This multifaceted coalition brings together forces willing to rotate air support, providing a united front against invaders.
Meanwhile, back home, the Royal Family’s involvement in the humanitarian aspect continues as Prince William met Ukrainian refugees in Estonia, expressing admiration for their resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Highlighting the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, he is scheduled to join British troops at Tapa Camp, located approximately 80 miles from the Russian border, to participate in exercises reinforcing NATO's defensive strategies.
Amid reports of a continued Russian threat, Britain is also enhancing its naval capabilities. Plans are underway for building HMS Dreadnought, a new submarine designed to complement the UK’s nuclear deterrence, signaling steadfast resolve against Moscow’s posturing.
As negotiations continue, both the military and symbolic gestures reflect Britain's ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine through tangible resources while ensuring a credible deterrent against any acts of aggression from Vladimir Putin’s regime. The situation remains fluid, and many eyes will be trained on how these plans evolve in the coming weeks and months.
