The UK is deploying a ground based air defence system to Poland along with 100 troops.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced the deployment of the Sky Sabre missile system while on a trip to Warsaw to meet his Polish counterpart.
The deployment will help shore up NATO’s eastern flank bordering Russia in a defensive measure as Moscow entered its fourth week of the invasion into Ukraine.
NATO countries – including the UK and Poland – are sending a clear message of unity to Russia.
Boris Johnson’s spokesman said: “We want to ensure the borders of Europe are well-protected.”
The air defence system has a greater range than its predecessor and can take out fighter jets or target incoming smart bombs.
“We are going to deploy the Sky Sabre medium-range anti-air missile system to Poland with about 100 personnel to make sure that we stand alongside Poland, protecting her airspace from any further aggression by Russia,” Mr Wallace said.
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It supersedes the ageing Rapier Short Range Air Defence system used by the British Army.
The 100 troops will be deployed on a short-term basis and will be kept under review, Downing Street said.
A few days ago, Russian missiles attacked a Ukrainian military training base just 15 miles from the Polish border, killing 35 people.
Mr Wallace’s arrival in Poland follows a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels yesterday where the defence secretary said it was a “privilege” to be part of the “self-defencing” alliance.
Britain has sent shoulder-fired short-range anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, credited with helping stall the advance of Russian armoured columns.
