The United Kingdom has deployed fighter jets to Poland in a direct warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing tensions along NATO’s eastern borders.

Royal Air Force Typhoons joined a NATO operation after Russian jets sparked outrage by entering Estonian airspace on Friday. The move underscores the alliance’s determination to defend European security.

Defence Secretary John Healey stressed that the use of British aircraft sent “a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended.”

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy echoed the message, declaring that Britain, alongside its allies, is fully prepared to challenge Russian aggression. “Combined with 27 countries, of course, we can face down Putin,” Lammy said. “He understands that he will be up against a very, very serious effort.”

The heightened military posture follows Poland’s decision to scramble fighter jets on Friday night as Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine. More than 600 drones and missiles were fired overnight, killing at least three people and injuring dozens.

European nations remain on high alert as Moscow continues to test NATO’s defences with repeated drone and jet incursions into Poland, Romania, and other alliance territories.