Overview

• An RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint and P-8A Poseidon flew from the Arctic past Belarus and Ukraine, with a USAF KC-135 providing air-to-air refuelling that extended the mission’s range.
• UK Defence Minister John Healey said the patrol yielded valuable intelligence and sent a message of NATO unity to Vladimir Putin and other adversaries.
• RAF Group Captain Matthew D'Aubyn said the force remains committed to working with allies to safeguard the sovereignty of NATO airspace.
• Officials linked the patrol to recent airspace violations and drone activity, with Poland reinforcing air defenses and briefly closing part of its airspace in late September.
• EU leaders recently backed plans to bolster defenses against Russian drones, while Putin rejected claims he plans to attack NATO and warned he is watching Europe’s military buildup.