NATO aircraft were deployed over Poland on 19 October after Russian attacks on western Ukraine prompted the closure of two Polish airports. The Polish armed forces confirmed that "necessary forces and resources" were activated, with ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance placed on standby.
In a statement, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ said military aviation was operating in Polish airspace in connection with Russian strikes using unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in western Ukraine. The measures are described as "preventive in nature" and aimed at securing Polish airspace, particularly near threatened regions.
Airports suspend operations
Poland's air navigation services agency confirmed that airports in Lublin and Rzeszów had suspended flight operations to ensure freedom of movement for military aviation. The agency said the suspension was necessary to support the military response.
The incident is the latest in a series affecting NATO countries in eastern Europe. Romania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic states have repeatedly reported drones in their airspace, and last week a suspected Russian drone strike targeted two ships off the coast of Bulgaria.
Regional impact and ongoing attacks
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 10 civilians and injured 73 more in the 24 hours leading up to 18 October, according to regional authorities. Three western Ukrainian regions were targeted on the morning of 18 October, as Moscow's campaign against critical infrastructure continues.
Ukraine also launched an overnight drone assault on Russia, sending hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles towards Moscow and St Petersburg. A major oil terminal in St Petersburg and a large data centre were hit, with footage circulating online appearing to show fires at the sites.
