Poland conducts air operations in response to Russian drone threat

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Polish authorities initiated a preventive operation involving Polish and allied aircraft in response to escalating concerns regarding drone strikes originating from neighboring Ukraine. This decision was made following a series of alarming incidents where multiple Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace earlier in the week. The incursions prompted NATO to dispatch fighter jets tasked with intercepting these rogue drones, illuminating the ongoing worries about the potential escalation of Russia's war in Ukraine and its implications for regional security. The heightened state of alert included the activation of ground-based air defense and reconnaissance systems by Poland's military command, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Officials stressed that these actions were primarily preventive, intended to ensure the safety of Poland's airspace and protect its citizens from imminent threats. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also confirmed the commencement of these preventive air operations, highlighting the urgent need to address the risks associated with the nearby hostile activities involving Russian drones. In addition to the operational measures taken in the air, the airport in Lublin, a city located in eastern Poland, was closed to air traffic due to the military activities. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency did not specify the duration of the airport's closure; however, local representatives indicated that air travel would be suspended until at least 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). This closure reflects the government's commitment to maintaining a high level of preparedness against any further incursions or potential attacks. Although Russia denied targeting Poland with the drones, it argued instead that an incident was caused by jamming devices, which led the drones off course. Nonetheless, European leaders interpreted these airspace breaches as a deliberate act intended to provoke a reaction from NATO and surrounding nations. The situation illustrates the delicate balance of power in the region, as Poland, a NATO member, responds to perceived threats in its vicinity while remaining vigilant against the ongoing tensions stemming from Russia's extended military engagement in Ukraine.