London, September 21(HS):

British Royal Air Force Typhoon jets took to Polish skies Friday night in a landmark NATO air defence operation, responding to a wave of Russian drone breaches that have heightened tensions along the alliance’s eastern flank. The rapid deployment—dubbed “Eastern Sentry”—marks NATO’s first direct aerial engagement with Russian drones since the Ukraine war erupted, following an unprecedented 19 drone incursions into Polish airspace in a single day.

The Ministry of Defence reported two RAF jets, supported by a Voyager refuelling aircraft, patrolled Poland and returned to the UK early Saturday. The operation was triggered after Poland called for NATO consultations under Article 4, reflecting deepening anxiety across member states. In parallel, Russian aircraft also violated Estonian and Romanian airspace, amplifying the urgency of allied air defences.

Defence Secretary John Healey hailed the mission as a “clear signal” of NATO unity, asserting, “When we are threatened, we respond together.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the incursion brought NATO “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two,” as Warsaw successfully shot down three drones.

NATO’s coordinated response comes 85 years after Polish pilots flew alongside the RAF in the Battle of Britain—a poignant echo as Western air forces again unite to defend shared security. Russia, however, denies all responsibility, insisting it has “no plans to target” Polish facilities. As drone and jet incursions persist, NATO’s eastern shield faces its greatest test yet in the shadow of Moscow’s unpredictable tactics.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar