RAF to protect European skies on NATO’S eastern flank

UK jets will protect the skies of NATO’s eastern flank once again, working for the first time with Sweden to protect Polish airspace.

British built Typhoon jets arrived in Eastern Poland to take part in a NATO enhanced air policing mission. RAF pilots will join up with Swedish Airforce Gripen fighter jets, as Europe steps up together to defend NATO airspace. The deployment is the first time that Swedish fighter jets will take part in air policing on the territory of another NATO Ally since they joined the alliance in 2024.

Touching down in Poland, Defence Minister Lord Coaker met with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Marcin Kosiniak-Kamysz and Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson, to outline the UK’s commitment to European security and to mark the start of the operation.

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Lord Coaker said:

“The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies. This latest air policing mission in Poland displays the UK’s ability to operate effectively with NATO’s newest member in Sweden and deter our common adversaries across the alliance’s airspace, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad.”

The mission comes as European NATO allies are stepping up on European security and defence spending. NATO remains the cornerstone of UK Defence and this government will continue to pursue a ‘NATO first’ defence policy and take on a leadership role in the alliance.

Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2025