NATO aircraft were scrambled over Poland and two airports suspended flights after Russia launched a fresh drone attack on western Ukraine. The Polish armed forces confirmed that “necessary forces and resources” were activated on the morning of 19 October, with ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance placed on standby.
Polish airspace protected
In a statement, the Polish armed forces said: “Attention. In connection with strikes by the Russian Federation on targets in the western part of Ukraine, conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles, military aviation is operating in Polish airspace.”
“In accordance with applicable procedures, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ, through the Air Operations Center – Air Component Command, has activated the necessary forces and resources at its disposal. Ground-based air defense systems and radar reconnaissance have reached a state of readiness.”
The statement added that these actions are “preventive in nature and are aimed at securing and protecting Polish airspace, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions,” with the Operational Command monitoring the situation and subordinate forces remaining ready to respond.
Airports suspend operations
Poland’s air navigation services agency confirmed that operations at Lublin and Rzeszów airports have been suspended. It stated: “In connection with the need to ensure freedom of operations for military aviation, the airports in Lublin and Rzeszów have suspended flight operations.”
This is the most recent incident affecting a NATO member state in eastern Europe in recent months. Nations including Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic states have consistently reported drones entering their airspace. Only last week, a suspected Russian drone strike targeted two vessels off Bulgaria’s coastline.
Casualties and further strikes
Russian strikes throughout Ukraine resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians and left 73 others wounded during the 24 hours up to 18 October, according to regional authorities. Three regions in western Ukraine came under attack yesterday morning, as Moscow’s ongoing offensive against vital infrastructure in Ukraine persists.
Ukraine also conducted a night-time drone operation against Russia, dispatching hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles toward Moscow and St Petersburg. A significant oil terminal in St Petersburg and a substantial data centre sustained damage, with video footage circulating on social media seemingly showing blazes erupting at the locations.
