In a new episode of tension on NATO’s eastern flank, F-16 fighters of the Polish Air Force and F-35A fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force intercepted Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during the night of September 9. The situation put NATO’s air defenses on alert and triggered a rapid multinational response given the seriousness of the incident.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that numerous unmanned aircraft coming from Russia crossed into Polish airspace, which immediately activated NATO’s quick reaction protocols and the coordination of allied assets deployed in Eastern Europe. He praised the skill of the alliance’s pilots, crews, and personnel involved, stressing that the defense of every inch of allied territory is an absolute priority.
In addition to the aforementioned Polish and Dutch fighters, the operation involved Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) airborne early warning and control aircraft, Airbus A330 MRTT aerial refueling aircraft, and the activation of Patriot air defense systems from Germany’s armed forces (Bundeswehr).
The incursion comes in a context where the Netherlands has had its F-35A stealth fighters deployed in Poland since the end of August, as part of a three-month mission to strengthen the protection of military shipments to Ukraine. These fifth-generation aircraft operate on permanent alert, with quick reaction capability against any incursion into NATO airspace.
Warsaw reported that several of the drones that entered the country were shot down, marking the first time a NATO member has opened fire on Russian aircraft within the context of the war in Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as a “large-scale provocation” and stated that it was the closest moment to open conflict since World War II, although he dismissed the notion that a war was imminent.
Russia, for its part, rejected the accusations and denied any responsibility for the incident. A Russian diplomat in Poland claimed there was no evidence that the drones were of Russian origin, while the RIA agency cited sources that called the allegations “baseless.” The Russian version contrasts with that of Polish authorities, who insist that the aircraft were shot down inside their airspace during a large-scale airstrike against Ukraine.
The episode forced the temporary closure of several airports in eastern Poland and led the government to activate Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows member states to convene security consultations. The North Atlantic Council met in Brussels to assess the situation and reaffirm solidarity with Warsaw in the face of what they deemed a “dangerous and reckless” action by Russia.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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