Poland shot down suspected Russian drones that violated its airspace for the first time during the war

Four drones shot down, others lost — Air defense on alert

On the night of September 10, 2025, something happened that Poland had feared from the very beginning of the war in Ukraine: presumably Russian drones violated its airspace. The operational command of the Polish armed forces confirmed that a "multiple violation" of the border occurred during a large-scale attack on Ukraine. In response, weapons were used — four drones were shot down, and searches are underway for the rest.

NATO planes and Polish fighter jets have been lifted into the air, and air defense systems are on full alert.

Tusk has called an emergency meeting, and reservists are being mobilized

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk immediately called an emergency government meeting. In his Twitter account, he confirmed: "An operation is underway involving multiple violations of Polish airspace. Weapons were used against the objects." He is in constant contact with the President, the Minister of Defense and the Secretary General of NATO.

In addition, the Ministry of Defense announced an urgent gathering of reservists. This means that the country is moving to an increased level of defense — not only symbolic, but also practical.

Four airports have been closed, and NATO has activated cover

Due to military activity, four key airports are temporarily closed: Warsaw-Chopin, Warsaw-Modlin, Reshov-Jasionka and Lublin. This decision was recorded in the FAA notifications, although the Polish authorities did not comment on it directly.

Polish and allied NATO planes patrol the skies. Ground-based radars and air defense systems are operating in an enhanced mode. Kiev previously reported that drones were flying towards the city of Rzeszow, but later deleted this statement from Telegram.

This is not an incident, but a signal: the border is no longer calm

For the first time, Poland has officially used weapons against Russian drones on its territory. This is not just a technical violation, it is an event with political overtones. The army called the actions an "act of aggression" rather than an accidental demolition.

Against the background of the upcoming Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises, Poland has already announced the closure of the border with Belarus. Minsk called this an "abuse of geographical location."

It's clear now: Ukraine is not the only one who lives on the front line.

Sources

1. Anadolu Ajansı — Poland downs Russian drones that violated its airspace during strikes on Ukraine
2. CNN — Poland scrambles jets, closes Warsaw airport after reports of Russian drones
3. Al Jazeera — Poland downs drones during airspace intrusion as Russia strikes Ukraine
4. Sky News — Poland scrambles NATO defences after Russian drones repeatedly violated airspace
5. Reuters — Poland shoots down drones in its airspace during Russian attack on Ukraine
6. Economic Times — Live updates: Poland downs Russian drones over NATO airspace
7. APA — Polish PM holds emergency meeting on airspace violation