NATO Unity: Joint Air Patrols Over Russian Borders

In a significant show of military cooperation, the United Kingdom has revealed that two Royal Air Force aircraft participated in a 12-hour mission earlier this week alongside U.S. and NATO allies. The operation's goal was to patrol the border of Russia following a series of concerning Russian drone and aircraft incursions into the airspace of NATO countries.

Britain's defence minister, John Healey, emphasized the mission's importance, stating, 'This was a substantial joint mission with our U.S. and NATO allies.' He further highlighted that beyond gathering valuable intelligence to enhance operational awareness, the mission serves as a robust declaration of NATO's unity against potential threats from Russia, particularly aimed at Russian President Vladimir Putin and other adversaries.

The mission involved an RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane. These aircraft flew from the Arctic region past Belarus and Ukraine, with support from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft. This operation came in response to incursions into the airspaces of NATO members, including Poland, Romania, and Estonia. European Union leaders have also recently endorsed measures to bolster the bloc's defense capabilities against Russian drones.

(With inputs from agencies.)