Polish and NATO Jets Shoot Down Russian Drones Over Eastern Poland, 19 Violations Recorded

Warsaw, Poland – Polish and NATO fighter jets successfully intercepted and shot down multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace overnight on September 9-10, 2025, marking the first direct engagement of Russian assets over NATO territory since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The incident prompted a significant military response, with reports of fighter jets, including Polish and allied aircraft, being heard over eastern Poland, particularly in the Lublin region.

The incursions occurred amidst a large-scale Russian aerial assault on Ukraine, which saw 415 drones, 42 cruise missiles, and a ballistic missile launched. While Ukrainian defenses intercepted most threats, at least eight Shahed-type drones reportedly crossed into Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that 19 airspace violations were recorded between 11:30 PM and 6:30 AM local time.

In response, Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command activated all necessary procedures, scrambling Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35s, with a Polish Saab 340 AEW&C and a NATO A-330 MRTT providing support. Ground-based air defenses and radar systems were placed on maximum readiness. Airports across Poland, including Warsaw's Chopin, Modlin, Rzeszów-Jasionka, and Lublin, were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the incursion as "an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe," emphasizing that "it was not just one Shahed that could be called an accident, but at least eight attack drones aimed toward Poland." Polish officials, including Prime Minister Tusk, stated that the drones posing an immediate threat were neutralized, with no casualties reported, although a house in the village of Wyryki was damaged by debris.

The event has drawn strong condemnation from NATO allies, with many expressing solidarity with Poland. NATO is reportedly not treating the incident as an accidental breach but an intentional incursion. Poland is now evaluating its response, with discussions underway regarding the potential invocation of NATO's Article 4 for emergency consultations, highlighting the seriousness of the airspace violations and the need for a unified allied stance.