Poland Scrambles Jets to Counter Airspace Violations Amid Russian Strikes on Ukraine
Poland announced on Wednesday that it had scrambled fighter aircraft alongside its NATO allies to intercept and neutralize unidentified objects that entered its airspace during a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine. This marks the first time a NATO country has actively engaged such intrusions since the start of the war.
Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that Polish aircraft had used weapons against the hostile objects and noted that Warsaw remains in close contact with NATO’s command structure.
Unprecedented Airspace Violations
The operational command of Poland’s military described the incident as “unprecedented,” stating that radar systems detected around a dozen drone-type objects, some of which were brought down. Authorities stressed that the incident posed a potential threat to civilian safety.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk also confirmed that an ongoing military operation had been launched in response to multiple airspace breaches. The government has called an extraordinary cabinet meeting to discuss the security situation.
Regional Impact
The incident occurred as Russia carried out a barrage of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including the western city of Lviv, just 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Polish border. In response, Poland temporarily closed part of its airspace, and flights were halted at Warsaw’s Chopin Airport.
Growing Security Concerns
The development follows recent warnings from Poland’s newly elected President Karol Nawrocki, who stated that Russian actions could extend beyond Ukraine. Poland, a NATO member and strong supporter of Ukraine, continues to host over a million Ukrainian refugees while serving as a key transit hub for humanitarian and military aid.
Poland has previously reported incidents involving drones and missiles crossing into its territory. In 2023, a Russian drone exploded in farmland in eastern Poland, while in 2022, a missile strike near the border tragically killed two civilians.
NATO’s Stance
Under NATO’s principle of collective defense, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. While past incidents have raised concerns, this is the first direct military response from a NATO nation to objects entering its airspace during the conflict.
