U.K. considering deploying Typhoon fighter jets to Ukraine as part of peacekeeping mission — The Times

The U.K. government is considering deploying Typhoon fighter jets to Ukraine as a security guarantee for a potential ceasefire agreement instead of sending ground troops, The Times reported on Tuesday.

According to the newspaper, British lawmakers have been discussing ways to provide security guarantees after the war ends without committing a large number of troops to Ukraine. A senior government source said the U.K. is exploring the possibility of patrolling Ukrainian airspace, though this would require a significant number of fighter jets as well as air defense systems.

The Times notes that, in theory, dozens of fighters could be on standby, ready to repel any Russian attacks, while a small contingent of peacekeeping forces from the U.K. and other European countries would help maintain security on the ground.

The U.K.’s air mission could be modeled after current NATO missions in the Baltic states, the newspaper says. A Royal Air Force source told The Times that the jets could be stationed in Poland. “We are prepared to do whatever we are told to do,” the source said, noting that discussions are still in the early stages.

The source added that this option is more feasible than establishing a no-fly zone, as an “air policing” mission would require jets to be on standby for rapid deployment rather than conducting continuous patrols.