Poland says Russian helicopter briefly entered its airspace
Poland has said a Russian military helicopter briefly violated its airspace, prompting the NATO member to scramble fighter jets and keep ground forces on alert.
The Mi‑8 helicopter crossed from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, penetrating about 300 metres into Polish airspace and staying there for 42 seconds north of Braniewo, according to a statement by the Polish Army Operational Command.
Polish officials said the incident indicates that Russia is once again testing the readiness of their air defences. Moscow has not yet responded.
The incursion comes amid a wave of hybrid warfare threats – including drones, missiles and sabotage – that Poland and several other NATO members accuse Russia of escalating. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that Russia might target Poland and other eastern flank countries, while French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged a response to similar attacks on France.
The Polish Army reported that the helicopter was tracked by radar and that fighter jets were scrambled immediately at 11:08 GMT. Ground forces were put on alert, and Poland’s air defences have been running continuously to safeguard the country’s skies.
Poland’s incident underscores the growing tension between Russia, NATO and the European Union, as Russia alleges it is testing NATO’s response while defending its claims of not seeking attacks on NATO countries. The situation remains a key point of concern as Ukrainian citizens and refugees cross the Polish border and as the region remains in a state of heightened vigilance.
