Polish Airspace Violated, Fighter jets Intercept ‘Russian Drones,’ Airports Closed
Warsaw, Poland – polish fighter jets were scrambled Friday evening after detecting objects crossing its airspace, leading to the downing of several aircraft believed to be Russian drones, according to the Polish military. The incident prompted temporary closures of four airports, including Warsaw International Airport, and triggered a heightened state of alert within the Polish armed forces.
The unfolding situation began as Ukraine reported Russian drones were en route towards Poland during an air raid.Ukraine later retracted that statement. PolandS Defense Minister Tomasz Kosiniak-kamysz urged citizens, especially in the eastern regions of Podlachia, Mazovia, and around Lublin, to remain indoors and report any discovered debris to police. “If you encounter debris of raised objects, do not approach them and call in the police,” he stated via X (formerly Twitter).
President Donald Tusk confirmed the ongoing military operation. This marks a meaningful escalation, potentially the first instance of a NATO country shooting down Russian aircraft. last month, Polish authorities reported a Russian army drone crashed in eastern Poland, but the incident was not publicly disclosed until after the fact.
Poland has characterized the airspace violation as unprecedented. The Polish army has been placed on increased readiness, accelerating potential troop deployment. NATO aircraft have also been deployed, though the role of the Netherlands in the intercept operation remains unclear. Three hundred Dutch soldiers with anti-aircraft installations are scheduled to begin a NATO mission in Poland on December 1.
Article 5 of the NATO Charter stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. While Russian drones have previously entered NATO airspace during attacks on Ukraine, this event represents a more direct confrontation. Russia has yet to respond to Poland’s accusations.
