Poland says it Shot Down Drones that Entered its Airspace During Russian Attack on Ukraine
Poland says it Shot Down Drones that Entered its Airspace During Russian Attack on Ukraine
LN24 / 18 minutes
September 10, 2025
2 min read
In a historic escalation, Poland and NATO forces intercepted and shot down multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace amid a sweeping aerial assault on Ukraine, officials confirmed today. This marks the first occasion that Warsaw has actively engaged Russian aerial assets during the conflict.
What Happened
Early Wednesday, over 10 (some reports say as many as 19) Iranian-made Shahed drones, deployed by Russia, crossed into Polish skies during a massive barrage on Ukrainian targets.
Poland’s military scrambled fighter jets, including Dutch F‑35s, while ground based air defense systems including German Patriots and Italian surveillance aircraft actively engaged the drones.
Multiple drones were neutralized; debris from some has been recovered across eastern regions. No casualties were reported, though one residential building in Wyryki was damaged.
Why It Matters
First Direct NATO Involvement: This incident marks the first time NATO military assets have shot down Russian drones, raising the stakes in the broader conflict.
Poland labeled the incursion an “act of aggression”, invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty triggering emergency consultations across the alliance to assess collective security responses.
The violation prompted immediate action: Warsaw’s Chopin Airport and other flights were diverted, and an emergency ministerial crisis meeting was convened.
Reactions & Wider Impact
Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy confirmed that at least eight drones had been aimed at Poland and reiterated calls for integrated continental air defense.
EU and NATO leaders, including France’s President Macron and EU Commission President von der Leyen, condemned the breach and backed Poland, emphasizing solidarity and the need for tighter coordination.
Analysts view this move as a deliberate test by Russia of NATO’s deterrence capabilities, especially with Russian-Belarusian joint drills looming.
