Two RAF surveillance planes were deployed on a 12-hour mission to patrol Nato’s eastern frontier.

The aircraft flew nearly 10,000 miles, starting from the High North - the far northern Arctic region - and continuing along Russia’s border, past Belarus and Ukraine.

The RAF said the operation involved an RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic intelligence surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. It was a response to recent incursions into Nato airspace by Russian drones and fighter jets.

They were supported by a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, allowing them to go further than they could on a single fuel load.

Both RAF aircraft were purpose-built for intelligence gathering. The Rivet Joint was designed to intercept and eavesdrop on military communications while the Poseidon is equipped for anti-submarine warfare.