RAF fighter jets have been deployed to eastern Europe in a groundbreaking joint mission with Sweden, the first time the Scandinavian country has deployed its combat jets in a Nato policing role.
Six British-built Typhoon jets arrived in Poland earlier today, for an enhanced air policing mission on Nato’s eastern flank.
The RAF pilots will work alongside crews from the Swedish Air Force in efforts to counter any Russian aggression along Europe's eastern border.
The arrival of Gripen fighter jets in Poland marks a major milestone for Sweden, as it begins offering key assets to Nato missions after joining the alliance last year.
RAF Typhoon Fighter in Romania
GETTY
Two Typhoons and two F-16s fly over Romania
GETTY
The RAF's latest mission follows on from last year's air policing missions across the continent.
In April 2024, six Typhoon fighter jets, with over two hundred personnel, were stationed in Romania.
Last August, four cutting-edge F-35B combat jets were stationed in Iceland for the first time, flying missions to defend Nato airspace in the high north.
UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker flew to Poland on Tuesday for a meeting with his Polish and Swedish counterparts.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
F-35B combat jets were stationed in Iceland for the first time last year
MoD
Four cutting-edge F-35B combat jets were stationed in Iceland for the first time last year
MoD
After the meeting, Lord Coaker said: "The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to Nato.
"With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.
"The latest air policing mission in Poland displays the UK's ability to operate effectively with Nato’s newest member in Sweden and deter our common adversaries across the alliance's airspace, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad."
In last week’s Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced an additional £2.2billion for defence over the next year.
F-35B in Iceland
MoD
It follows the recent announcement that the UK will increase overall defence spending from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by April 2027.
UK defence chiefs still do not know what that will mean for the future shape of Britain's armed forces, as the Government has still to publish its Strategic Defence Review.
The air force, alongside the army and the navy, has seen its capabilities significantly hollowed out over recent decades due to budget cuts introduced under successive Governments.
The deployment of the jets comes as Germany announced it would also launch a military force to Nato's eastern flank.
Around 5,000 German troops have been mobilised in Lithuania in the country's first permanent troop deployment since World War II.
"We have a clear mission: to ensure the protection, freedom and security of our Lithuanian allies on Nato's eastern flank," Brigadier General Christoph Huber told dpa press agency.
"In doing so, we also protect Nato territory — and Germany itself."