Poland boosts air defence after alleged Russian airspace incursions

September 25, 2026 at 11:05 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Poland has expanded its air defence operations, deploying F-16s and helicopters, after repeated alleged Russian incursions into its airspace. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that intelligence suggests Russia may be planning hybrid drone and missile strikes against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland. The moves come as NATO members bordering Ukraine report a series of suspected airspace violations.

Key Facts

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the expansion of airspace protection on September 17, citing 'the latest Russian provocations and acts of aggression'.
On September 23, Poland reported that an Mi-8 helicopter entered Polish airspace from Kaliningrad for 42 seconds.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament that Russian intelligence plans include hybrid drone and missile strikes against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland.
During the past week, suspected Russian drones were shot down twice in Moldova and once in Romania on September 24.

Airspace Incursions

Poland has heightened its air defence posture following repeated alleged incursions into its airspace in recent weeks. The Polish Air Force launched preventive air patrols on September 17 aimed at securing the eastern part of Polish airspace. Warsaw officially blamed Russia, but Moscow has denied allegations that it is targeting NATO nations. On September 23, Poland said an Mi-8 helicopter entered Polish airspace from Kaliningrad for 42 seconds. The most serious Polish claim of a violation was by a Russian Su-24 reconnaissance aircraft in the Baltic Sea in February 2025, an incident Russia reportedly acknowledged.

Government Response

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the expansion of airspace protection on social media, citing 'the latest Russian provocations and acts of aggression'. He said the activity of Polish air forces, including F-16 aircraft and helicopters, would be increased. Prime Minister Donald Tusk presented what he called 'the most probable scenario for the next few months', warning that it assumes serious events and requires mental readiness to pass difficult exams. Tusk told parliament that Russian intelligence plans include hybrid drone and missile strikes against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland. He said the aim of suspected Russian incursions was 'to weaken the motivation of NATO countries to apply NATO regulations in the event of aggression against any member state'.

Regional Security Concerns

During the past week, suspected Russian drones were shot down twice in Moldova and once in Romania on September 24, observers said. Poland and Romania are two NATO members immediately bordering Ukraine through which military supplies and Western officials have reached Ukraine. Hungary is also a NATO member bordering Ukraine, but has not allowed military supplies through its territory. The latest alleged airspace violations have again raised the spectre of an open Russian attack on NATO territory, a prospect European intelligence chiefs have been warning about since January 2024. Czech intelligence chief Michal Koudelka this week told The Guardian that a Russian attack, which 'could involve a limited incursion, false-flag provocations, [or] a massive influence campaign', might come in a matter of 'months, not years'.