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F-16s and F-35s Shoot Down russian Drones over Poland
Warsaw confirms russian drones violated its airspace overnight, marking the first direct engagement of russian assets over #NATO territory.
theaviationist.com/2025/09/10/rus…
(File photo of a Polish F-16 and a Norwegian F-35. Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35s were involved in the defense against the Russian drones. (Image credit: Bartek Bera via NATO Allied Air Command)
F-16s and F-35s Shoot Down russian Drones over Poland
Warsaw confirms russian drones violated its airspace overnight, marking the first direct engagement of russian assets over #NATO territory.
theaviationist.com/2025/09/10/rus…
(File photo of a Polish F-16 and a Norwegian F-35. Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35s were involved in the defense against the Russian drones. (Image credit: Bartek Bera via NATO Allied Air Command)
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#Poland has confirmed it shot down multiple russian drones that violated its airspace in the night between Sep. 9 and 10, 2025, during Moscow’s latest large-scale strike on Ukraine.
The unprecedented
onet.pl/informacje/one…
incident marks the first time that russian assets have been destroyed over #NATO territory since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
#Poland has confirmed it shot down multiple russian drones that violated its airspace in the night between Sep. 9 and 10, 2025, during Moscow’s latest large-scale strike on Ukraine.
The unprecedented
onet.pl/informacje/one…
incident marks the first time that russian assets have been destroyed over #NATO territory since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a “huge number” of russian drones crossed into Polish skies during the assault,
which targeted several Ukrainian regions. Speaking ahead of an emergency government meeting in Warsaw, -bbc.com/news/live/c2en…
According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a “huge number” of russian drones crossed into Polish skies during the assault,
which targeted several Ukrainian regions. Speaking ahead of an emergency government meeting in Warsaw, -bbc.com/news/live/c2en…
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- Tusk described the incursions as “a large-scale provocation” and emphasized that “all our allies are taking the situation very seriously.”
- Tusk described the incursions as “a large-scale provocation” and emphasized that “all our allies are taking the situation very seriously.”
https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1965627132329296319?t=MIIIlu9GUkiunzhxef62Qg&s=19
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He added that the drones posing an immediate threat were neutralized by fighter jets, with no casualties reported.
#NATO forces were also involved, including the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s F-35s -
theaviationist.com/2025/04/14/f-3…
He added that the drones posing an immediate threat were neutralized by fighter jets, with no casualties reported.
#NATO forces were also involved, including the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s F-35s -
theaviationist.com/2025/04/14/f-3…
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- currently deployed to Poznan Krzesiny airbase for NATO’s Air Policing mission.
- currently deployed to Poznan Krzesiny airbase for NATO’s Air Policing mission.
https://x.com/KosiniakKamysz/status/1965606271593136342?t=mz85E5F0FjKFVb9cY4wFgg&s=19
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The Overnight Operation
Poland’s Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed that its airspace was “repeatedly violated by drone-type objects” during russia’s coordinated strike, which involved hundreds of drones and missiles across Ukraine.
In response, Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled while ground-based air defense and radar systems were placed on the highest state of readiness.
At its height, the operation involved both Polish aircraft and NATO assets, including Dutch F-35s. Notably, a Polish Saab 340 AEW&C
theaviationist.com/2024/06/15/pol…
(Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft was spotted in flight for nine hours to support the defenses.
The Overnight Operation
Poland’s Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed that its airspace was “repeatedly violated by drone-type objects” during russia’s coordinated strike, which involved hundreds of drones and missiles across Ukraine.
In response, Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled while ground-based air defense and radar systems were placed on the highest state of readiness.
At its height, the operation involved both Polish aircraft and NATO assets, including Dutch F-35s. Notably, a Polish Saab 340 AEW&C
theaviationist.com/2024/06/15/pol…
(Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft was spotted in flight for nine hours to support the defenses.
8/
A NATO MMF A-330 MRTT was also orbiting in the area.
A NATO MMF A-330 MRTT was also orbiting in the area.
https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1965630216757547064?t=5cej1TZthO_S8fHulmis6w&s=19
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Tusk confirmed that “two F-35s, two F-16s, and Mi-24, Mi-17 and Black Hawk helicopters were dispatched to the anticipated area of operations.”
As already mentioned, the F-35s belonged to the RNLAF, while the F-16s are from the Polish Air Force.
Tusk confirmed that “two F-35s, two F-16s, and Mi-24, Mi-17 and Black Hawk helicopters were dispatched to the anticipated area of operations.”
As already mentioned, the F-35s belonged to the RNLAF, while the F-16s are from the Polish Air Force.
https://x.com/PremierRP/status/1965692689065578657?t=ptOUf7iVmWcC0P5GOW543g&s=19
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An Italian E-550A CAEW
(Conformal Airborne Early Warning) was spotted on flight tracking websites while flying towards the area, although it is unclear if the events are related, as the aircraft often fly in the area for NATO’s surveillance operations.theaviationist.com/2023/03/13/tas…
An Italian E-550A CAEW
(Conformal Airborne Early Warning) was spotted on flight tracking websites while flying towards the area, although it is unclear if the events are related, as the aircraft often fly in the area for NATO’s surveillance operations.theaviationist.com/2023/03/13/tas…
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According to Reuters,
however, citing NATO sources, the Italian aircraft was indeed involved in the operation.reuters.com/business/aeros…
According to Reuters,
however, citing NATO sources, the Italian aircraft was indeed involved in the operation.reuters.com/business/aeros…
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Social media posts claim that U.S., Italian and Dutch F-35s were deployed to support Poland, but its is not possible to verify this information.
In fact, only the Dutch F-35s’ participation has been officially confirmed.
The claim might have been originated by the presence on flight tracking websites of a U.S. F-35 with Mode-S hex code AF351F, however that is a generic code used by all F-35 operators.
As for the Italian F-35s, they are currently deployed in #Estonia for Baltic Air Policing and unlikely to have been involved.
x.com/vcdgf555/statu…
Social media posts claim that U.S., Italian and Dutch F-35s were deployed to support Poland, but its is not possible to verify this information.
In fact, only the Dutch F-35s’ participation has been officially confirmed.
The claim might have been originated by the presence on flight tracking websites of a U.S. F-35 with Mode-S hex code AF351F, however that is a generic code used by all F-35 operators.
As for the Italian F-35s, they are currently deployed in #Estonia for Baltic Air Policing and unlikely to have been involved.
x.com/vcdgf555/statu…
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Airports across Poland were temporarily closed, including Warsaw’s Chopin and Modlin airports, as well as Rzeszów-Jasionka — a major logistics hub
theaviationist.com/2025/05/28/mor…
for military aid to Ukraine — and Lublin Airport.
The Polish government sent emergency SMS alerts to citizens in the eastern regions of Lublin, Podlaskie, and Mazowieckie, urging residents to shelter and report any drone wreckage to authorities
By morning, the Polish military confirmed the immediate operation had ended, and civilian air traffic gradually resumed. Authorities also reported locating debris from downed drones in several villages, including Czosnówka and Cześniki in eastern Poland, and later near Mniszków in the Łódź region
Airports across Poland were temporarily closed, including Warsaw’s Chopin and Modlin airports, as well as Rzeszów-Jasionka — a major logistics hub
theaviationist.com/2025/05/28/mor…
for military aid to Ukraine — and Lublin Airport.
The Polish government sent emergency SMS alerts to citizens in the eastern regions of Lublin, Podlaskie, and Mazowieckie, urging residents to shelter and report any drone wreckage to authorities
By morning, the Polish military confirmed the immediate operation had ended, and civilian air traffic gradually resumed. Authorities also reported locating debris from downed drones in several villages, including Czosnówka and Cześniki in eastern Poland, and later near Mniszków in the Łódź region
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"Scale of russia’s Attack"
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults in months, deploying 415 drones, 42 cruise missiles, and a ballistic missile overnight. Ukrainian defenses intercepted most of the incoming threats, but at least eight Shahed-type drones
theaviationist.com/2022/10/17/sha…
crossed into Poland’s direction, some penetrating Polish airspace.
"Scale of russia’s Attack"
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults in months, deploying 415 drones, 42 cruise missiles, and a ballistic missile overnight. Ukrainian defenses intercepted most of the incoming threats, but at least eight Shahed-type drones
theaviationist.com/2022/10/17/sha…
crossed into Poland’s direction, some penetrating Polish airspace.
17/
Ukrainian President Volodymyr @ZelenskyyUa described the incursion as “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe,” warning that Moscow was “pushing the boundaries of what is possible” in its aggression.
He called for a stronger international response and tighter sanctions on russia, adding:
“It was not just one Shahed that could be called an accident, but at least eight attack drones aimed toward Poland.”
x.com/wolski_jaros/s…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr @ZelenskyyUa described the incursion as “an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe,” warning that Moscow was “pushing the boundaries of what is possible” in its aggression.
He called for a stronger international response and tighter sanctions on russia, adding:
“It was not just one Shahed that could be called an accident, but at least eight attack drones aimed toward Poland.”
x.com/wolski_jaros/s…
18/
The number of drones intruding into Poland’s airspace is not yet final.
Currently, reports mention that the number of drones might have been between 5 and over 20, with photos showing the debris of at least three different drones.
@donaldtuskEPP said 19 violations were recorded between 11:30 pm and 06:30 am, local time, and data is still being updated.
"Political and Military Reactions"
Polish officials stressed that their response had been swift and coordinated. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that Poland was in constant contact with NATO Command, while Territorial Defense Force units were mobilized to assist in the ground search for drone wreckage.
President Karol Nawrocki, who leads Poland’s National Security Bureau, stated that the
“security of our homeland is our highest priority.”
x.com/donaldtusk/sta…
The number of drones intruding into Poland’s airspace is not yet final.
Currently, reports mention that the number of drones might have been between 5 and over 20, with photos showing the debris of at least three different drones.
@donaldtuskEPP said 19 violations were recorded between 11:30 pm and 06:30 am, local time, and data is still being updated.
"Political and Military Reactions"
Polish officials stressed that their response had been swift and coordinated. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that Poland was in constant contact with NATO Command, while Territorial Defense Force units were mobilized to assist in the ground search for drone wreckage.
President Karol Nawrocki, who leads Poland’s National Security Bureau, stated that the
“security of our homeland is our highest priority.”
x.com/donaldtusk/sta…
@ZelenskyyUa @donaldtuskEPP 19/
https://x.com/NATOpress/status/1965667276864323596?t=_axSAQUuCprcDcpv7FznFg&s=19
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According to Reuters, #NATO is not treating the incident as an attack but as an intentional incursion.
The European Union’s top diplomat Kaja @kajakallas imilarly said the incursion was intentional and not accidental.
Across Europe, the incursion drew swift condemnation.
#Swedish Prime Minister Ulf @SwedishPM called the violation “unacceptable,” affirming that “Poland has every right to defend its airspace.”
#Latvia, #Norway, and #Lithuania issued similar statements of solidarity, with Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kestutis @BudrysKestutis warning that NATO must “respond with force, not just concern.”
European Council President Antonio Costa also expressed support, describing the incident as an “unacceptable violation” of Polish sovereignty.
In the United States, lawmakers reacted strongly, noting the seriousness of russian aerial assets over NATO territory and even calling it “an act of war.”
theaviationist.com/2025/08/15/ita…
According to Reuters, #NATO is not treating the incident as an attack but as an intentional incursion.
The European Union’s top diplomat Kaja @kajakallas imilarly said the incursion was intentional and not accidental.
Across Europe, the incursion drew swift condemnation.
#Swedish Prime Minister Ulf @SwedishPM called the violation “unacceptable,” affirming that “Poland has every right to defend its airspace.”
#Latvia, #Norway, and #Lithuania issued similar statements of solidarity, with Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kestutis @BudrysKestutis warning that NATO must “respond with force, not just concern.”
European Council President Antonio Costa also expressed support, describing the incident as an “unacceptable violation” of Polish sovereignty.
In the United States, lawmakers reacted strongly, noting the seriousness of russian aerial assets over NATO territory and even calling it “an act of war.”
theaviationist.com/2025/08/15/ita…
21/
"Escalation and Implications"
The shootdown represents a significant escalation for Poland, which until now had scrambled jets
theaviationist.com/2023/12/29/rus…
and monitored russian activity near its border but had never directly engaged drones or missiles.
The incident recalls earlier border tensions, such as the 2022 missile strike that killed two Polish civilians in Przewodów, later attributed to a misfired Ukrainian air defense interceptor.
Unlike that event, this time Warsaw explicitly blamed and targeted russian-origin drones.
"Escalation and Implications"
The shootdown represents a significant escalation for Poland, which until now had scrambled jets
theaviationist.com/2023/12/29/rus…
and monitored russian activity near its border but had never directly engaged drones or missiles.
The incident recalls earlier border tensions, such as the 2022 missile strike that killed two Polish civilians in Przewodów, later attributed to a misfired Ukrainian air defense interceptor.
Unlike that event, this time Warsaw explicitly blamed and targeted russian-origin drones.
22/
Poland has been one of NATO’s most outspoken members on the russian threat, significantly increasing defense spending
theaviationist.com/2025/08/13/pol…
and acquiring new fighter jets, tanks, and missile systems.
The overnight engagement is likely to reinforce calls in Warsaw for even closer allied cooperation and stronger deterrence measures on NATO’s eastern flank.
Poland has been one of NATO’s most outspoken members on the russian threat, significantly increasing defense spending
theaviationist.com/2025/08/13/pol…
and acquiring new fighter jets, tanks, and missile systems.
The overnight engagement is likely to reinforce calls in Warsaw for even closer allied cooperation and stronger deterrence measures on NATO’s eastern flank.
22/
Poland has been one of NATO’s most outspoken members on the russian threat, significantly increasing defense spending
theaviationist.com/2025/08/13/pol…
and acquiring new fighter jets, tanks, and missile systems.
The overnight engagement is likely to reinforce calls in Warsaw for even closer allied cooperation and stronger deterrence measures on NATO’s eastern flank.
Poland has been one of NATO’s most outspoken members on the russian threat, significantly increasing defense spending
theaviationist.com/2025/08/13/pol…
and acquiring new fighter jets, tanks, and missile systems.
The overnight engagement is likely to reinforce calls in Warsaw for even closer allied cooperation and stronger deterrence measures on NATO’s eastern flank.
23/23.The incursion highlights the risks faced by Ukraine’s neighboring countries as russia escalates aerial attacks. #Kyiv has repeatedly called for #NATO allies to extend air defense coverage into western #Ukraine to prevent drones and missiles from reaching NATO borders.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy @andrii_sybiha now renewed this appeal, arguing that it is “necessary to enable the use of partner air defense capabilities in neighboring countries” to intercept threats before they cross into allied territory, according to Polish outlet PolsatNews.
polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2025…
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy @andrii_sybiha now renewed this appeal, arguing that it is “necessary to enable the use of partner air defense capabilities in neighboring countries” to intercept threats before they cross into allied territory, according to Polish outlet PolsatNews.
polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2025…
21/
"Escalation and Implications"
The shootdown represents a significant escalation for Poland, which until now had scrambled jets
theaviationist.com/2023/12/29/rus…
and monitored russian activity near its border but had never directly engaged drones or missiles.
The incident recalls earlier border tensions, such as the 2022 missile strike that killed two Polish civilians in Przewodów, later attributed to a misfired Ukrainian air defense interceptor.
Unlike that event, this time Warsaw explicitly blamed and targeted russian-origin drones.
"Escalation and Implications"
The shootdown represents a significant escalation for Poland, which until now had scrambled jets
theaviationist.com/2023/12/29/rus…
and monitored russian activity near its border but had never directly engaged drones or missiles.
The incident recalls earlier border tensions, such as the 2022 missile strike that killed two Polish civilians in Przewodów, later attributed to a misfired Ukrainian air defense interceptor.
Unlike that event, this time Warsaw explicitly blamed and targeted russian-origin drones.
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