Poland scrambles fighter jets amid massive Russian strikes on Ukraine
Overnight Thursday, as Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, Poland scrambled its air force and activated air defense systems. At least six people were killed and dozens injured in strikes on Kyiv.
Overnight into Thursday, as Russia carried out an extensive missile and drone assault on Ukraine, the Polish military responded by scrambling its combat aircraft. The announcement came from the operational command of the Polish armed forces.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, officials said the move was prompted by heightened activity from Russia's long-range aviation, which was conducting flights toward Ukrainian territory. In response, air force operations began in Polish airspace. Ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems were also placed on alert status.
A precautionary measure
Polish military leadership stressed that the steps taken were preventive in nature, aimed at ensuring the security of Polish airspace. Particular attention was given to areas bordering zones considered at heightened risk due to Russian military activity.
Impact in Ukraine
That same night, Russian missile strikes on the city and region of Kyiv killed at least six people, with dozens more injured.
This is not the first time Poland has responded this way. During a previous massive Russian strike on Ukraine, overnight into July 30, a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile entered Polish airspace and crashed near Lublin.
