Poland boosts air defence after ‘Russian provocations’ amid Ukraine war

Poland has heightened its air defence posture, following repeated alleged incursions into its airspace in recent weeks.

The Polish Air Force launched preventive air patrols on September 17 aimed at securing the eastern part of Polish airspace.

Warsaw officially blamed Russia, but Moscow has denied allegations that it is targeting NATO nations.

“Following the latest Russian provocations and acts of aggression, I have made the decision to expand the protection of our airspace. We are increasing the activity of our air forces, including F-16 aircraft and helicopters,” wrote Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz on social media.

“I want to present to the public the most probable scenario for the next few months, because it is a scenario that assumes serious events and requires focus, seriousness and the mental readiness to pass difficult exams,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

“According to intelligence, the Russian plan also includes hybrid drone and missile strikes against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland,” he said in parliament. “These possibilities have been mentioned for a long time, and today the information is very consistent and, unfortunately, convincing.”

He said the aim of suspected Russian incursions was “to weaken the motivation of NATO countries to apply NATO regulations in the event of aggression against any member state”.

Days later, on September 23, Poland said an Mi-8 helicopter entered Polish airspace from Kaliningrad for 42 seconds.