NATO Escalates Defense Measures Following Russian Drone Incursion in Poland

Mon Sep 15 2025 14:49:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In light of a significant Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, NATO countries are mobilizing troops and air defense systems to bolster security along the eastern flank. Poland's defense minister discusses support from allies amid heightened tensions.

NATO has increased its military presence in Eastern Europe after Poland reported the incursion of Russian drones. Several member countries, including the Netherlands, Czech Republic, France, and Germany, are providing military support. Poland's government has called for a UN Security Council meeting to address the incident. The situation has raised alarms among NATO allies, with experts debating whether the drone incursions were accidental or deliberate. On the eve of major military exercises, Poland is taking decisive steps to enhance its air defense capabilities.

Several NATO members are sending troops, artillery, and air defense systems to secure its eastern flank after what Poland called an unprecedented Russian drone incursion into its airspace. In the early hours of Wednesday, three Russian drones were shot down after crossing into Polish airspace. Other drones crashed to the ground and were later found across eastern Poland. Poland has requested a UN Security Council session about the incident, which will take place on Friday at 19:00 GMT.

In response to the drone incursion, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic said they would send defenses to Poland, while Lithuania would receive a German brigade and greater warning of Russian attacks on Ukraine that could cross over. Germany also said it would intensify its engagement along NATO's eastern border and extend and expand air policing over Poland. Later, France's Emmanuel Macron announced that the country would send three Rafale fighter jets to help protect Poland's airspace. We will not yield to Russia's growing intimidation, Macron said.

Addressing parliament on Thursday, Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz noted the offers of support from Poland's partners, with the Dutch deploying air defense systems, artillery, and 300 troops, while the Czech Republic would send helicopters and 100 soldiers. He also mentioned that the French and British could deploy aircraft to secure NATO's eastern flank. Despite previous instances of Russian drones and missiles trespassing into NATO member countries, this marks the most serious incident since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has refrained from commenting on claims about its intent regarding the incident, yet many leaders believe the incursion was deliberate.

Poland's President Karol Nawrocki described the event as a provocation, emphasizing the need to test NATO's capabilities. NATO's top military commander, Alexus Grynkewich, acknowledged that it was unclear whether the action was intentional.

In light of current tensions, Warsaw is announcing restrictions for drones and small air traffic along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine, and Latvia is closing its eastern airspace for a week. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has offered guidance and training assistance to Western military representatives on countering Russian aerial attacks, whilst also advocating for a joint air defense system over Europe. Set against the backdrop of upcoming major military drills between Belarus and Russia, dubbed Zapad 2025, Poland will close its border for national security reasons. In response, Russia has warned that this closure will have detrimental effects on business and freedom of movement.