Poland Intercepts Multiple Drones in First NATO Defense Action

Poland shot down multiple drones entering its airspace on Wednesday, marking the first known instance of a NATO member engaging in defensive action during Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The operation, conducted with support from NATO allies, involved Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance planes, and mid-air refueling aircraft. Polish authorities reported that 19 objects entered the country’s airspace, with those posing a threat neutralized.

“The incident is the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two, though we have no reason to believe we’re on the brink of war,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Polish President Karol Nawrocki, speaking to soldiers, described the incursion as “nothing more than an attempt to test our capabilities, our ability to respond.”

The drone incursions caused localized damage in southeastern Poland. One drone struck a two-story house in Wyryki-Wola, destroying the roof and scattering debris inside, while other drones reportedly fell in open fields, leaving blackened marks.

Moscow denied responsibility. Andrey Ordash, Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Poland, called the accusations “groundless,” noting Poland had provided no evidence linking the drones to Russia. The Russian Defence Ministry stated its drones had targeted military facilities in western Ukraine, not Poland.

The full intent of the drones has not been publicly disclosed. A senior military source indicated that at least five drones appeared to be heading toward Rzeszow airport, NATO’s main hub for arms supplies to Ukraine, suggesting the incursion may have been intended to test NATO air defense systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the incident “means Europe has to work on creating a joint air defense.”

In response, Poland invoked Article 4 of NATO’s treaty, allowing members to request consultations in cases of perceived threats. Germany announced extended air policing over Poland and increased support for NATO’s eastern border. The Netherlands is deploying 300 soldiers and accelerating the deployment of two Patriot air defense batteries, while the Czech Republic may send three helicopters and 100 personnel.

Poland has imposed air traffic restrictions along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine until Dec. 9. General aviation, small aircraft, and civilian drones are prohibited, though commercial passenger flights remain unaffected. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested the incursions may have aimed to weaken Poland’s logistical support for Ukraine, a key transit point for Western aid. “This is an attempt to weaken NATO’s and Poland’s willingness to support Ukraine,” he said.