British fighter jets sent to Poland to protect NATO ally from Russian aggression

01 October 2023 , 14:56

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Four RAF Typhoons have been sent to Poland tonight (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

RAF fighter jets were sent to Poland tonight to protect NATO’s eastern flank from Russia.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps authorised the deployment of four, fearsome 1,500mph Typhoon warplanes. He told the Conservative Party conference in Manchester: “In response to a request from our Polish friends, RAF Typhoons are landing in Poland as I speak to support our NATO ally with the growing threat of Russian interference. Deploying ahead of Poland’s elections, they will be a very powerful way of undeniably showing (Vladimir) Putin that this Conservative Government will protect democracy and freedom from any despotic tyrant that threatens our allies.”

Earlier this year, Poland became the first NATO nation to pledge fighter jets to Ukraine. President Andrzej Duda announced in March that four Soviet-era MiG warplanes would be sent to the war-torn country.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps was addressing the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, (Getty Images)

At the time, it was suggested the UK could “backfill” for the MiGs by sending British Typhoons to Poland.

Mr Shapps also revealed hundreds of British peacekeeping troops were being sent to Kosovo amid the deteriorating security situation. About 200 soldiers will be dispatched.

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“There has been a request from NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe so I have authorised the deployment of a battalion-size UK strategic reserve force to NATO’s Kosovo peacekeeping mission," the Cabinet Minister told party activists. "In the days ahead, hundreds of soldiers from the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment will join the 400 British servicemen and women already in Kosovo. I know our soldiers will do the United Kingdom proud.”

The US and EU have urged Serbia to withdraw what the Pentagon has said is a large military build-up on the country's border with Kosovo. It follows an attack last week during which an estimated 30 armed men were involved in a fierce gun battle with Kosovo police.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said this weekend that US officials were monitoring a large deployment of Serbian troops along the border with Kosovo, describing it as an “unprecedented staging of advanced Serbian artillery, tanks and mechanised infantry units”.

Mr Shapps said: “The rapid deployment of troops to Kosovo is a powerful demonstration of our armed forces unparalleled capabilities and expertise. They will add immense value to the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, helping to calm rising tensions in the region and keeping all peoples safe.

He added: "When NATO asked the UK to step up we answered the call and I know our service men and women will now carry out their mission with valour.”

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “The deployment of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment demonstrates the responsiveness of the UK’s armed forces. We continue to be a fundamental part of the NATO alliance, sharing our military expertise and strength. The extension of our support to the Kosovo Force (KFOR) underlines our unwavering commitment to NATO and the security of the Western Balkans region.

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Ben Glaze