The United Kingdom announced on Saturday that two Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft carried out a 12-hour mission earlier this week in cooperation with U.S. and NATO forces, patrolling along the border with Russia.
The operation came in response to a series of recent airspace violations by Russian drones and aircraft over NATO territory.
“This was an important joint mission with our U.S. and NATO allies,” said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
“Not only does it provide valuable intelligence to strengthen the operational awareness of our Armed Forces, but it also sends a strong message that NATO stands united against President Vladimir Putin and our adversaries,” Healey added.
According to reports, an RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane flew from the Arctic region along Belarus and Ukraine on Thursday, supported by a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft.
The UK confirmed that the operation followed multiple airspace violations involving Poland, Romania, and Estonia — all NATO member states.
Earlier this month, European Union leaders expressed their support for strengthening the bloc’s defense systems against Russian drone incursions.
