NATO has reinforced its eastern defences after multiple Russian drones were intercepted and shot down over Poland earlier this week, prompting fears of escalation and renewed concern over alliance security.
The incident occurred overnight on September 10–11, when dozens of Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace during a wave of attacks targeting Ukraine. Polish authorities reported that the drones entered from the direction of Belarus and flew deep enough into Poland to trigger a coordinated NATO response.
Polish fighter jets, along with allied aircraft and ground-based air defence systems, were deployed to intercept the drones. Several airports, including Warsaw Chopin and Rzeszów-Jasionka, were temporarily closed or placed under airspace restrictions as the situation unfolded.
No injuries or damage were reported, but Polish officials called the incursion “unprecedented” in scale and seriousness.
In response, Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which calls for consultations when a member feels its territorial integrity or security is under threat. The move prompted an emergency meeting of NATO ambassadors in Brussels.
“This is a serious violation of our airspace,” Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Kowalski said in a statement. “We are treating it as a deliberate provocation and a test of NATO’s readiness.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that additional air and missile defence systems have been deployed to the region. The response includes Dutch F-35 fighter jets, Italian surveillance aircraft, and enhanced radar coverage. Ground-based Patriot missile batteries already in place have been placed on high alert.
Germany also announced an expanded commitment to NATO’s eastern border, including plans to increase its air policing mission in Poland and the Baltics. British and French officials said they are reviewing their deployments in the region.
Russia has denied that its drones intentionally entered Polish airspace, claiming technical failures and Ukrainian interference. However, NATO officials say the scale of the drone incursion indicates a likely attempt to test the alliance’s reaction speed and cohesion.
Military analysts say the incident underscores growing concerns about the increasing use of drones in hybrid warfare and highlights the need for stronger counter-drone measures across NATO territories.
The situation remains tense, but NATO leaders have reiterated their commitment to defending all member states against any potential threat.
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