UK jets flew 12-hour mission with US, NATO near Russian border

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain said on Saturday that two Royal Air Force aircraft flew a 12-hour mission earlier this week alongside U.S. and NATO forces to patrol the border of Russia, amid a series of recent Russian drone and aircraft incursions into NATO airspace.

"This was a substantial joint mission with our U.S. and NATO allies," defence minister John Healey said.

"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 (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and our adversaries," Healey added.

An RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane flew from the Arctic region past Belarus and Ukraine on Thursday, supported by a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refuelling aircraft.

Britain said the operation followed incursions into the airspaces of NATO countries including Poland, Romania and Estonia.

Earlier this month, European Union leaders backed plans to strengthen the bloc's defences against Russian drones.

(Reporting by Sam TabahritiEditing by Mark Potter)

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