RAF fighter jets to be sent to Poland over Russia fears

RAF fighter jets are being sent to Poland to prevent another Russian incursion into Nato airspace.

The Typhoons will fly alongside Danish, French and German aircraft in the coming days as part of the Eastern Sentry mission to bolster Europe's defences.

It comes after 19 Russian drones flew unimpeded for more than 100 miles into Poland and headed for a Nato air force base before crashing to earth.

Four of the 19 devices were shot down in the first direct military engagement between Nato and Kremlin forces.

And there was a further breach over Romania on Saturday by Russia. The Typhoons will be flown from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, supported by Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

The deployment was signed off by defence ministers at a Nato meeting last Wednesday. The summit was called by Poland under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty.

Sir Keir Starmer on Monday said: 'Russia's reckless behaviour is a direct threat to European security and a violation of international law.

'This is why the UK is supporting Nato's efforts to bolster its eastern flank.

'These aircraft are... vital in deterring aggression, securing Nato airspace and protecting our national interest.'

Nato chief Mark Rutte said Friday the alliance would reinforce the defence of its eastern flank following a Russian drone raid into Polish airspace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russia is deliberately expanding its drone operations.

The UK on Monday summoned the Russian ambassador to London, with the foreign ministry saying the 'significant and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones ... was utterly unacceptable'.