In pictures: RAF Typhoons complete first-round trip mission defending Polish skies

Two RAF Typhoons have conducted their first Nato air defence sortie over Poland in response to the Russian drone incursion on 9 September. 

Supported by an RAF Voyager aircraft, the two British jets took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, patrolling Polish skies as part of Operation Eastern Sentry.  

Vigilance activities are routine, defensive operations that demonstrate Nato's ability to respond swiftly to potential threats while maintaining the security of member nations.

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Rising tensions on the Eastern flank

Operation Eastern Sentry follows the reckless and dangerous incursion by Russian drones into Polish sovereign airspace – the most significant violation of Nato airspace by President Putin to date, since his illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine – and further breaches of Nato airspace by Russian jets and a drone over the past week.

The Typhoons are equipped with advanced sensors and infrared-guided ASRAAM missiles (Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles), making them ideally suited to detecting, monitoring and intercepting potential aerial threats.

On Monday, the Defence Secretary John Healey visited RAF Brize Norton, home of the Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, to announce the UK's contribution.

He met some of the RAF personnel who are among more than 400 personnel assigned to directly support the missions.  

"RAF Typhoons have now flown their first air defence mission over Poland, sending a clear signal: Nato airspace will be defended," he said.

"I'm proud of the outstanding British pilots and air crew who took part in this successful operation to defend our allies from reckless Russian aggression."

Operation Eastern Sentry comes as the UK marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, with the UK and Poland sharing a poignant history.

"This weekend, as we honour the heroism of the Battle of Britain generation, it is especially poignant that RAF pilots and crew are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with Poland in defence of our shared security – making us secure at home and strong abroad," added Mr Healey.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth said the partnership with Nato has "never been stronger", and the RAF remains "agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range".

Both RAF Typhoons returned safely to the UK early on Saturday morning.

British Armed Forces continue to play a leading role in the alliance, from the Army's continuing presence in Estonia as part of Nato's Forward Land Forces, to the RAF's enduring air policing missions in Europe.

Over the past 18 months, the RAF has deployed Typhoons to both Poland and Romania to protect Nato airspace.