Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, this has been one of the most serious violations of NATO airspace by devices suspected to be operated by Russia, and one of the sternest tests for the Atlantic alliance. On the night of Tuesday, September 9, to Wednesday, September 10, while Russia launched a barrage of 450 drones against western Ukrainian cities, Poland recorded 19 devices flying in its airspace.

The Polish army, backed by its Dutch, Italian and German allies as well as NATO resources, quickly responded and destroyed four of the 19 drones detected on radar. Deploying all these aircraft against a threat in NATO airspace was "a first," said an Alliance spokesperson. "NATO responded quickly and decisively," said General Alexus Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, appointed over the summer.

This incident occurred as Moscow prepared for several major military exercises in Belarus, including "Zapad 2025," which could bring together at least 13,000 soldiers near the Polish border. Amid this tense climate, European leaders unanimously supported Warsaw and denounced the drone incursions.

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