John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said: “This was a substantial joint mission with our US and NATO allies. 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 Putin and our adversaries.”
RAF Gp Cap Matthew D’Aubyn said: “Missions like this demonstrate Nato’s unity and readiness to defend its members against any aggression.”
Last month, a stream of Russian drones travelled over Ukraine into Poland, prompting Nato to scramble jets to shoot them down.
On Sept 14, a Russian Geran drone strayed into Romanian airspace near Ukraine’s southern border, while on Sept 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace before circling for 12 minutes.
Fears of a “shadow war” designed to provoke Nato were heightened after at least 18 unidentified drones were spotted in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Germany in September and October, disrupting operations at airports.
