A Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet soared over Poland on September 19, 2025, taking part in NATO’s Eastern Sentry operation—a new mission designed to strengthen the alliance’s defenses after Russian drones violated Polish airspace earlier this month.
According to the UK Ministry of Defense, British fighter jets carried out the patrol Friday night to “deter and defend against aerial threats from Russia, including drones.”
What Is NATO’s Eastern Sentry Operation?
The NATO Eastern Sentry operation is a joint defense mission launched just last week, specifically in response to Russia’s most recent airspace violations. The mission focuses on protecting NATO’s eastern flank—especially Poland, which shares a border with war-torn Ukraine and is increasingly exposed to Russian aggression.
Britain isn’t going at it alone. Along with the Royal Air Force Typhoons, military assets from Denmark, France, and Germany are also part of Operation Eastern Sentry, making this a major show of unity among NATO allies.
Why Did Britain Join the Mission?
The UK Ministry of Defense said Britain’s commitment to NATO remains “unshakeable.” Officials stressed that the typhoon patrols followed what they described as “reckless and dangerous” Russian actions—specifically the incursion of drones into Poland’s sovereign airspace.
In fact, the ministry labeled this incident as the most serious violation of NATO airspace by Russian President Vladimir Putin since his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Rising Tensions Across Europe
The situation in Poland is not an isolated incident. Over the past two weeks, Europe has seen a series of aggressive airspace violations by Russia:
- September 9: Poland shot down Russian drones that entered its territory, sparking a Quick Action Alert. Polish and allied air forces scrambled to respond.
- Days later: Russian drones crossed into Romanian airspace, forcing Bucharest to scramble fighter jets.
- September 19: NATO intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that violated Estonian airspace—an incident Estonia called “unprecedentedly brazen.”
These back-to-back events highlight why NATO allies rushed to create the Eastern Sentry mission, ensuring that member countries can respond immediately to aerial threats.
NATO Fires Shots for the First Time Since 2022
Perhaps the most alarming part of this escalation is that the Eastern Sentry operation marked the first time NATO forces fired shots since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.
This development underscores how dangerously close NATO and Russia are drifting toward direct confrontation. While NATO has carefully avoided entering the Ukraine war directly, defending its own member states is a red line that cannot be ignored.
Poland’s Critical Role
Poland sits right on NATO’s front line with Russia. Since the invasion of Ukraine, the country has become a crucial hub for weapons shipments, refugee support, and now, air defense operations.
By leading the Eastern Sentry patrols, Poland is not only defending itself but also serving as a shield for the entire alliance. The recent shootdowns and alerts prove how seriously Warsaw takes the threat from Moscow.
Why Eastern Sentry Matters for NATO Security
- The NATO Eastern Sentry operation isn’t just about flying planes. It sends a powerful message:
- Deterrence—Russia now knows that airspace violations will trigger a rapid NATO response.
- Unity—Multiple nations, from the UK to France, are pooling resources to stand together.
- Readiness—Eastern Europe is on high alert, and NATO is prepared for escalation if necessary.
- Reassurance—Member countries like Poland, Romania, and Estonia can rely on NATO protection.
Russia’s “Dangerous” Strategy
Experts believe Russia’s airspace violations are designed to test NATO’s reaction time and political will. By repeatedly sending drones and fighter jets into allied territory, Moscow may be gauging how quickly NATO forces scramble—and whether allies remain united in their response.
So far, NATO leaders are not backing down. They’ve condemned Russia’s actions as “absolutely dangerous,” warning that these provocations risk sparking a wider conflict.
What’s Next for Operation Eastern Sentry?
The Eastern Sentry operation is expected to continue for as long as necessary to secure NATO’s eastern borders. With Russia showing no signs of slowing its aggressive tactics, the mission could expand in the coming weeks.
More fighter jets from other NATO countries may join, and additional assets—such as surveillance aircraft and missile defense systems—could also be deployed.
For now, the skies over Poland remain a tense symbol of NATO’s determination to defend its members and stand up to Moscow’s aggression.
Key Takeaways
- NATO’s Eastern Sentry operation launched after Russian drones violated Polish airspace.
- UK Royal Air Force Typhoons joined patrols alongside Denmark, France, and Germany.
- Poland, Romania, and Estonia have all reported Russian airspace violations in September.
- NATO fired shots for the first time since the Ukraine war began in 2022.
- The mission underscores NATO’s unity, readiness, and resolve against Russian threats.
Final Thoughts
- The launch of NATO’s Eastern Sentry operation shows just how serious tensions have become in Europe. With Russian drones and jets breaching NATO airspace in multiple countries, the alliance is moving from words to action.
- For ordinary citizens in Poland, Romania, and Estonia, these missions are more than just headlines—they’re about safety, security, and the hope that NATO’s strength can prevent a direct clash with Russia.
- As the skies heat up over Eastern Europe, one thing is clear: Eastern Sentry is NATO’s warning shot to Moscow—and the world is watching what happens next.
The NATO Eastern Sentry operation is now in full swing after Russian drones recently violated Polish airspace, raising alarms across Europe. On Friday night, two Royal Air Force Typhoon jets took off from Lincolnshire to patrol Polish skies, marking Britain’s direct involvement in the new mission.
According to the UK Ministry of Defense, the patrols are meant to “deter and defend against aerial threats from Russia.” Officials called Moscow’s actions “reckless and dangerous,” describing the drone incursion as the most serious violation of NATO airspace since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Eastern Sentry operation isn’t just about Britain. NATO allies including Denmark, France, and Germany have also joined the mission, showing that Europe is standing together against Russian aggression. Poland, which already shot down Russian drones earlier this month, remains a key frontline state in this growing conflict.
NATO says the mission proves its readiness to act fast when any member’s security is threatened. For millions across Eastern Europe, the NATO Eastern Sentry operation offers reassurance that the alliance is united and prepared to push back against Moscow’s escalating airspace violations.