UK Royal Air Force Conducts 12-Hour NATO Joint Patrol Along Russia Border Following Airspace Violations

The United Kingdom announced on Saturday that two Royal Air Force aircraft conducted a 12-hour mission earlier in the week alongside United States and NATO forces to patrol Russia's border, following several Russian drone and aircraft violations of NATO airspace.

"This was a substantial joint mission with our U.S. and NATO allies," stated defence minister John Healey.

Healey further added, "Not only does this provide valuable intelligence to boost the operational awareness of our Armed Forces, but sends a powerful message of NATO unity to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and our adversaries."

An RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane participated in the Thursday mission, flying from the Arctic region past Belarus and Ukraine, with support from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refuelling aircraft.

Britain indicated that the operation was a response to airspace violations affecting several NATO member countries, including Poland, Romania, and Estonia.

Earlier this month, European Union leaders endorsed plans to strengthen the bloc's defenses against Russian drones.