Poland has reported that a Russian military Mi‑8 helicopter entered its airspace for 42 seconds, prompting the scramble of fighter jets and alert of ground forces near Braniewo, close to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
The helicopter, observed by radar, skimmed about 300 metres into Polish territorial airspace at 11:08 local time.
The Polish Army Operational Command states that the incident “indicates that Russia is once again testing the readiness of our air defence”.
Russia has denied involvement and has repeatedly said it has no intention of attacking NATO members.
Poland, Germany, and France are warning of new hybrid warfare tactics, citing recent drone and missile attacks on European grounds.
Ukraine remains embroiled in its conflict with Moscow, and other Eastern European nations are preparing to counter potential hybrid threats.
