RAF Typhoons join allied fighters for Eastern Sentry mission over Poland

UK Royal Air Force (RAF) fighters have been committed to NATO’s newly established Eastern Sentry mission to bolster the alliance’s defence and deterrence along its eastern border.

The Eastern Sentry mission was announced on 12 September 2025 at a joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G Grynkewich. It followed an incursion into Polish airspace of by around 19 Russian drones on the night of 9/10 September during a major airborne attack on Ukraine.

On 13 September the Romanian authorities reported that their airspace had also been penetrated by a Russian drone.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated on 15 September that RAF Typhoons will join allied forces, including Danish F-16s, French Rafales and German Eurofighters, in performing the Eastern Sentry mission “in the coming days”. The Typhoons will be operating out of their home base – RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire – and will be supported by RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.

Warsaw is around 1,900 km from RAF Coningsby, giving the Typhoons a two-commute to their Eastern Sentry mission, but the fighters operating out of Coningsby precludes the need to deploy maintainers, engineers and other ground crew away from their home base.

NATO’s commitment to stand up the Eastern Sentry mission followed a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on 10 September where the allies discussed the situation following Poland’s request for consultations under Article 4 of NATO’s Washington Treaty.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey was quoted by the UK MoD as saying, “Russia’s actions are reckless, dangerous, and unprecedented. They only serve to strengthen the unity of NATO. Just as we stand with Ukraine, we will stand with our Polish NATO allies in the face of Russian aggression. The UK is fully committed to playing its part in Eastern Sentry, increasing our military presence on NATO’s eastern flank even further.

“Our advanced Typhoon fighter jets will help deter Russian aggression and, where needed, defend NATO’s airspace, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad,” Healey added.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “Russia’s reckless behaviour is a direct threat to European security and a violation of international law, which is why the UK will support NATO’s efforts to bolster its eastern flank through Eastern Sentry.

“These aircraft are not just a show of strength; they are vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace, and protecting our national security and that of our allies.”