The jets will operate from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and will be supported by Voyager refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton. They will join allied aircraft from Denmark, France, and Germany to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank.
The announcement follows a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on 10 September, after Poland requested consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. Allies expressed full solidarity with Poland following what officials described as the most significant violation of NATO airspace by Russia to date.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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.” He added: “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.”
He continued: “We will continue to stand firm in our support for Ukraine and ramp up the pressure on Putin until there is a just and lasting peace.” The government confirmed its plan to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, the largest sustained increase since the Cold War.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “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.” He added: “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, the foundation of our Plan for Change.”
The UK emphasised that its commitment to NATO is unshakeable and highlighted existing contributions such as the permanent British Army presence in Estonia and previous RAF deployments to Poland and Romania. Typhoons, equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems, will enhance NATO’s airspace security without affecting ongoing RAF commitments to defend UK skies.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence (press release).
