Poland Raises Air Defences Amid Russian Airspace Incursions

Poland has stepped up its air defence after a series of alleged Russian incursions into its airspace, deploying F‑16s and helicopters for preventive patrols. Polish leaders warn of hybrid drone and missile threats aimed at NATO members supporting Ukraine, while Russia continues aggressive actions i…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 09:12:22 GMT

Poland has bolstered its air defence posture in response to a string of alleged Russian incursions into its airspace over the past weeks. On September 17, the Polish Air Force launched preventive patrols, deploying F‑16 fighter jets and helicopters to secure the eastern sector of national airspace.

Alleged Incursions and Political Response

Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz announced the increased activity on social media, citing “the latest Russian provocations and acts of aggression.” He said the country was expanding its airspace protection and that the patrols carried a political warning. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that intelligence indicated a Russian plan to use hybrid drone and missile strikes against countries backing Ukraine, including Poland. Tusk said the scenario was “very consistent and, unfortunately, convincing.”

Poland’s Armed Forces Operational Command described a Mi‑8 helicopter that entered Polish airspace from Kaliningrad for 42 seconds on September 23, calling it another test of the country’s air defence readiness. The most serious Polish claim of a violation dates back to February 2025, when a Russian Su‑24 reconnaissance aircraft was reportedly intercepted over the Baltic Sea, an incident Russia later acknowledged.

Regional Context and NATO Implications

Poland and Romania are NATO members that share borders with Ukraine, serving as transit routes for military supplies and Western officials. Hungary, another NATO member bordering Ukraine, has not permitted the passage of military aid. The recent airspace violations have reignited concerns about a potential Russian attack on NATO territory, a scenario that European intelligence officials have warned about since January 2024.

Czech intelligence chief Michal Koudelka told The Guardian that a Russian attack could involve limited incursions, false‑flag provocations, or a large influence campaign, potentially occurring in months rather than years. Such warnings underscore the heightened risk to neighboring NATO members.

Russia’s Military Activities in Ukraine

During the same period, Russian officials claimed to have captured towns in the eastern Donetsk region. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that since the start of 2026, Moscow’s forces had seized 5,300 square kilometres and over 220 settlements. Russian forces also launched nightly drone strikes and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens, including a cleric at a monastery in Kherson and casualties from ballistic missile waves targeting Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations General Assembly that Russia had used more than 2,100 missiles of various types against Ukraine, with 950 being ballistic missiles, and had launched 63,000 drones. He warned that the next stage could involve AI‑driven decision making on the battlefield.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia’s claims of territorial gains are largely overstated. The institute estimates that Russia has captured a net 147.7 square kilometres in the first eight months of 2026, while Ukrainian forces have liberated 972.56 square kilometres. Recent Ukrainian counter‑offensives near Oleksandrivka and Lyman in northern Donetsk have reclaimed significant territory, with the Lyman operation codenamed Vivaldi freeing 50 square kilometres in its second phase.

Political Developments in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia Party increased its majority in the Duma from 315 to 355 seats following the September elections. Officials viewed the result as a referendum on Putin’s war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev praised the outcome, stating it would bring victory closer.

Ukraine launched its largest combined air strike of the war on the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections. Moscow’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that Russian air defences downed more than 1,600 Ukrainian drones in the preceding 24 hours, with at least 450 targeting Moscow. Some drones breached defenses, striking the city’s oil refinery and causing operational disruptions.

In the past week, Ukraine also targeted the Kuybyshev refinery in Samara and the Bashneft refinery in Bashkortostan, further escalating the conflict’s reach.

Poland’s heightened air defence stance reflects growing concerns over Russian aggression and the potential for hybrid attacks on NATO allies. The country’s leadership emphasizes readiness and vigilance, urging NATO partners to maintain a high level of alertness as the situation evolves.

Key facts

Poland has increased air patrols after alleged Russian incursions.
Polish leaders warn of potential hybrid drone and missile attacks on NATO allies.
Russia claims territorial gains in Ukraine but are largely overstated.
Ukraine’s counter‑offensives have reclaimed significant territory.
Russian political gains reinforce support for the war effort.

Why it matters

Poland’s escalation signals a broader NATO response to Russian provocations, highlighting the risk of a spill‑over into allied territories and the need for coordinated defence readiness.

Frequently asked questions

What prompted Poland to raise its air defence?

A series of alleged Russian incursions into Polish airspace, including a Mi‑8 helicopter entering from Kaliningrad, prompted Poland to intensify patrols.