Poland scrambles jets amid Russian drone attack on Ukraine, explosions heard near border

Poland scrambled fighter jets on 17 September after Russian attack drones were detected flying over Ukraine's west.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces on X (Twitter); Ukrainska Pravda sources in Ukrainian law enforcement agencies

Details: The Polish Operational Command said that amid the Russian attack on Ukraine's western regions, it had deployed the necessary assets and personnel at its disposal in accordance with established procedures.

"Military aircraft have begun operating in Polish airspace," the Operational Command announced. "Ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been placed on high alert."

The Polish military said the measures were preventive and aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of Polish airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to the threat zones.

"The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation, and the subordinate assets and personnel are prepared to respond immediately," it concluded.

Ukrainska Pravda sources in Ukrainian law enforcement agencies reported that explosions had been heard in Volyn Oblast, a few kilometres from the border with Poland.

Background:

• On 15 September, a drone, likely a Russian Gerbera UAV, was discovered off the coast of Poland in the Baltic Sea.
• On the morning of 16 September, an air-raid warning was issued in Polish border areas due to jet-powered UAVs over Ukraine's west, and Rzeszów and Lublin airports suspended operations.
• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced plans to improve the flow of traffic at the border with Ukraine to prevent a build-up of vehicles, which could become a target for Russian attacks. The authorities also plan to reinforce security at border checkpoints.

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