Poland's Airspace Violated By 'Drone-Type Objects' From Russia, Major Airports Shut
NATO and Polish fighter jets were scrambled amid reports of Russian drones entering Polish airspace. The Polish armed forces said its aircraft was placed on the “highest state of readiness”.
Poland temporarily closed all its major airports on Wednesday after reporting multiple violations of its airspace by “drone-type objects” during Russia’s latest wave of strikes on Ukraine.
The army’s operational command confirmed on X that operations were underway to “identify and neutralise the targets.” Four airports were affected, including Warsaw’s main Chopin Airport, Warsaw Modlin Airport, Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport near the Ukrainian border, and Lublin Airport, according to a notice posted on the US Federal Aviation Administration website.
NATO and Polish fighter jets were scrambled amid reports of Russian drones entering Polish airspace. The Polish armed forces said its aircraft, radar, and air defence systems were placed on the “highest state of readiness” to safeguard national security.
The shutdown comes as Russia intensified its assault on Ukrainian regions near the Polish border, heightening tensions along NATO’s eastern flank.
Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Defence Jim Townsend told BBC that one drone is a mistake but multiple drones are not.
"It's hard to imagine the latest Russsian drones' incursion in Polish airspace is a mistake," Townsend said, adding "We’ve got to have more time for Poland to figure out what they are finding and see what their views are."
"But this is more than likely a test - this is a test that Nato has to answer," he added.
Townsend says it's good news that Poland and Nato seem to be on top of the situation. "They are picked up on Polish radar and Nato scrambled.
"Now is the political side of Nato that is on the hot seat to make sure the response from the alliance is appropriate."
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