Key points
Key Points
• Poland scrambled fighter jets and activated ground-based air defence and radar systems after mass Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine.
• Actions described as preventive, with no violation of Polish airspace.
• NATO allies, including Spain, Sweden, and Germany, supported Polish operations
• Fears grow of possible spillover from Ukraine conflict into NATO territory.
• Russian attacks on Kyiv killed two people and injured 27, causing widespread damage.
ISLAMABAD: NATO’s eastern flank was on high alert after Poland deployed fighter jets and put its air defence and radar systems on readiness following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, Newsweek reported.
According to the Polish Armed Forces, the deployment was preventive and focused on securing airspace, particularly in regions adjacent to the border areas threatened by the conflict.
“Fighter jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence systems as well as radar reconnaissance systems have reached readiness status. These actions are of a preventive nature and are aimed at securing the airspace and its protection, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions,” the Polish Armed Forces said in a statement reported by Newsweek. They added that operations were completed and systems had returned to standard operational activity.
The incident follows repeated Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory, including overnight strikes on Kyiv that killed two people and injured 27. At least 17 of those injured were hospitalised, and damage was reported across six locations, including multi-story apartment buildings. The attacks included Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and occurred amid air raid alerts throughout Ukraine.
Poland’s response, conducted under Operation “Wschodnia Zorza”, involved F-16 fighter jets and integrated support from allied forces, including aircraft from Spain and Sweden, as well as Germany’s Patriot missile systems, reinforcing Poland’s air defences. NATO officials stressed that at no point was Polish airspace violated.
This event underscores the heightened concern among NATO members on the alliance’s eastern flank about the risk of Russian strikes spilling over from Ukraine. Earlier in 2025, Poland and Romania had scrambled jets multiple times in response to Russian missile and drone activity near Ukraine. Security analysts warn that repeated Russian bombardments increase the chances of miscalculations or accidental incursions into NATO territory.
Polish authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. “We remain in constant readiness to safeguard Polish airspace,” the statement added, highlighting ongoing vigilance as Russia maintains its campaign of drone and missile attacks against Ukraine.
