Poland scrambles fighter jets after Russian strikes on Ukraine
Poland activated military aircraft and air defense systems on Saturday, September 19, following Russian drone strikes on Ukraine. Officials described the measures as preventive security steps.
Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command announced on Saturday, September 19, that military aviation operations had begun in Polish airspace amid Russian strikes using jet-powered attack drones against Ukraine.
Under standing procedures, the command deployed the necessary forces and resources at its disposal. Ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems were placed on alert.
Polish military officials stressed that these measures are preventive in nature, aimed at ensuring the security of airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to zones under threat. The Operational Command continues to monitor the situation, with subordinate forces on standby for immediate response.
Earlier border incident
Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously reported that on September 17, a Russian attack drone crashed near the Polish border in the Volyn region of Ukraine. Lieutenant Colonel Jacek Goryszewski, spokesman for Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command, said the drone most likely crashed or was shot down about 4 kilometers from the Polish-Ukrainian border.
Polish forces had been prepared to shoot down the Russian drone had it crossed into Polish territory. On the same day, Tusk stated that intelligence indicated Russian plans for hybrid strikes against countries supporting Ukraine.
