Two British Royal Air Force jets flew a 12-hour mission earlier this week alongside US and NATO forces, patrolling the alliance's eastern border with Russia, Reuters reported, citing a statement by British Defence Secretary John Healy. The agency notes that the mission is being carried out against the backdrop of a series of recent violations of NATO airspace by Russian aircraft and drones, BTA reports.
“This was an important joint mission with our US and NATO allies“, Healy said. "It not only provides valuable information to increase the operational awareness of our armed forces, but also sends a strong message of NATO unity to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and our adversaries," he added.
On Thursday, a Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft and a Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flew from the Arctic over Belarus and Ukraine, supported by a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft.
Britain said the operation followed a series of violations of the airspace of NATO countries including Poland, Estonia and Romania. Earlier this month, European Union leaders backed plans to strengthen defenses against Russian drones, Reuters noted.