Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones
By Asmita - Sep 10, 2025
Poland shot down several Russian drones that violated its airspace on September 10, triggering the country's first direct military engagement with Russian aerial assets since the start of the Ukraine conflict. The incident prompted a swift response from Polish and NATO forces, with radar detecting over ten unidentified objects and efforts ongoing to locate crash sites. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incursions an "act of aggression," leading to emergency cabinet meetings and heightened alert levels. The drones' presence resulted in the temporary closure of multiple Polish airports, with residents urged to stay indoors. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was briefed, and NATO reiterated support for Poland, escalating diplomatic tensions with Moscow.
NATO logo via Needpix.com
Poland shot down several Russian drones that violated its airspace on September 10, marking the country's first direct military engagement with Russian aerial assets since the start of the Ukraine conflict. The incident occurred during a massive Russian air offensive across western Ukraine, with Polish and NATO air defense systems activated to intercept the drones as they crossed the border. Polish military radar detected more than ten unidentified objects, and those presenting potential risks were neutralized; efforts to locate the crash sites continue. Authorities advised residents in eastern regions—including Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin—to remain indoors, as these areas faced the brunt of the threat.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the repeated drone incursions as an “act of aggression” and confirmed Poland's immediate communication with NATO leadership throughout the crisis. Tusk announced an emergency cabinet meeting and briefed the NATO Secretary General, emphasizing the seriousness of the violation for both Polish and alliance security. The Polish Defence Minister stated that fighter jets employed weapons against the hostile drones while NATO aircraft assisted in controlling the situation. Ground-based air defense and radar units were placed on high alert, ensuring a rapid response to any new intrusions.
The drone incursions forced the temporary closure of several Polish airports, including major facilities in Warsaw, Rzeszow–Jasionka, Modlin, and Lublin. Residents were told to shelter indoors until the threat was managed, with territorial defense units joining search operations for downed drone debris. While the Polish military did not disclose the exact number of intercepted drones, officials confirmed the operation's successful neutralization of hostile objects and ongoing investigation of the breach. No immediate casualties were reported within Poland, but concern remains high amid escalating border tensions.
International response was swift, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed on the situation and NATO reaffirming its support for Poland. As a NATO member, Poland's actions underscore the alliance’s principle that an attack on one is considered an attack on all, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Moscow to explain its actions. The Russian defense ministry has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident. Polish leaders continue coordinating with NATO and allied governments, warning that repeated incursions pose a genuine threat to national and regional safety.
