Poland Deploys Fighter Jets Amid Russian Drone Threat Near Border

NATO Member Activates Air Defenses as Russian Drones Approach Polish Territory

Poland scrambled combat aircraft today in response to an imminent Russian drone attack targeting Ukraine that approached dangerously close to Polish airspace. The Polish military confirmed the operation has now concluded, stating on social media platform X that defensive measures were activated as a precautionary measure.

Heightened Border Tensions

According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Russian drones came alarmingly close to the Polish border, prompting the emergency deployment of both Polish and allied aircraft. Ground-based air defense systems were also activated across several border regions.

Residents in multiple Polish districts received government alerts warning of "danger from an aerial attack," with air raid sirens reportedly sounding in the towns of Swidnik and Chelm near the Ukrainian border. "When Russian aggression approaches our borders, we must respond with maximum vigilance and preparedness," a Polish defense ministry spokesperson stated.

Regional Security Concerns

The incident marks the latest in a series of escalating border violations that have put NATO's eastern flank on high alert. Just last week, a wave of Russian drones penetrated Polish airspace, leading to Dutch F-35 fighter jets shooting down multiple drones. In the village of Wyryki in eastern Poland, a residential building was damaged during that incident.

Romania also reported drone activity, with two fighter jets scrambled after a drone entered Romanian airspace. Authorities tracked the unmanned aircraft for approximately 20 kilometers before it disappeared from radar. Romanian officials confirmed the drone did not fly over populated areas and posed no immediate threat.

NATO Reinforcement Plans

The repeated violations have prompted NATO to announce plans to strengthen its eastern flank defenses. The alliance is considering enhanced air patrols and additional missile defense systems along the Polish-Ukrainian border region.

According to NATO officials, the increased drone activity represents a concerning escalation in Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, testing NATO's response capabilities and border integrity.