Czech Gripen jets flew to Poland amid Russian drone attack on Ukraine

NATO airspace near Poland's eastern border after drones were spotted flying over Ukraine's west.

Source: Czech news agency České Noviny, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Czech jets ultimately did not have to intervene. After being relieved by Polish fighter jets, the Gripens safely returned to Pardubice.

"The Gripen jets have taken off on the orders of the alliance headquarters as part of NATO's integrated air and missile defence system. If necessary, we are willing to defend the airspace of our allies," the Czech military said.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on 17 September that intelligence services believe Russia is planning hybrid attacks using drones and missiles against countries supporting Ukraine. He noted that late autumn and winter will be the most critical period in Russia's war against Ukraine.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš responded by telling Czech news portal TN.cz that Russia is waging hybrid warfare against Czechia. "That is why our intelligence services are paying maximum attention to all risks related to the activities of Russian secret services directed against our country," he said.

Background:

• On the morning of 18 September, Poland scrambled its fighter jets as Russia carried out another attack on Ukraine.
• Rzeszów and Lublin airports suspended operations amid Russian attacks on Ukraine.

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