Poland scrambled fighter jets in response to a large Russian aerial campaign against Ukraine, activating its air force as missiles and drones crossed the region’s contested airspace. Military monitors reported thousands of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft deployed by Russia over the preceding week, intensifying pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
NATO member Poland has repeatedly heightened readiness when strikes near its eastern border raise the risk of stray munitions or incursions. The activation underscored how the war’s aerial dimension increasingly affects neighboring allies responsible for protecting civilian populations.
Ukrainian officials said they continued intercepting incoming weapons while urging partners to supply additional air-defense assets. The scale of drone activity has forced both sides to adapt tactics and logistics across front-line and rear areas.
Allied commanders said Poland’s response forms part of broader NATO vigilance along the alliance’s eastern flank. Defense planners are reviewing procedures for rapid scrambles as Russia combines mass drone launches with conventional missile strikes aimed at overwhelming air-defense networks.
Regional reporting noted thousands of fixed-wing drones deployed by Russia over the preceding week as part of an intensified strike campaign against Ukraine. Poland’s scramble reflects NATO allies’ concern that aerial operations near shared borders could pose risks beyond Ukrainian territory.
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Sources:
https://nato.news-pravda.com/world/2026/05/24/104908.html