As of September 10, 2025, Poland has shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during Russian attacks on Ukraine. This is the first time Poland, a NATO member, has directly engaged Russian drones in its airspace since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Here is what we know about the incident:
What happened: Between September 9 and 10, a large number of Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace while strikes were happening in western Ukraine.
The Polish response: Polish and NATO aircraft, including Dutch F-35 fighter jets, were sent to intercept the drones. Several of the drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.
Official statements:
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that drones had been shot down and labeled the incursion a large-scale provocation by Russia. He added that NATO allies were taking the situation very seriously.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that more than 10 objects had crossed into Polish airspace and that those posing a risk were neutralized.
Impact: Four Polish airports, including Warsaw's main hub, Chopin, were temporarily closed due to the incident but have since reopened. There have been no reported casualties. A damaged drone and another drone that hit a house were reported in the Lublin region, near the Ukrainian border.
International reaction:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the escalation as an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe.
NATO is in close consultations with Poland regarding the situation.
Broader context: The drone incident occurred while Poland was already increasing security measures, including closing its border with Belarus, due to upcoming Russian-Belarusian military exercises known as the Zapad drills.
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