Poland and Romania heightened their aerial defenses on September 13, 2025, deploying aircraft in response to increased Russian drone activity near their shared border with Ukraine. These actions reflect growing security concerns across Eastern Europe as the conflict in Ukraine impacts neighboring NATO territories.
In Poland, the Operational Command reported that Polish and allied aircraft were deployed in a preventative operation within Polish airspace. This measure was a response to the threat of drone strikes in adjacent Ukrainian regions. The alert lasted approximately two hours and resulted in the temporary closure of Lublin Airport, which is located near the Ukrainian border. This incident follows earlier events on September 10, 2025, when Polish and NATO forces reportedly downed multiple Russian drones targeting Ukrainian facilities close to the border. The Polish military stated its actions were intended to secure national airspace and protect citizens, demonstrating a proactive approach to potential aerial threats.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the preventive nature of these operations and the readiness of ground-based air defense systems. Simultaneously, Romania's Ministry of Defense announced the deployment of Romanian fighter jets after a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was detected within Romanian airspace. The drone was operating near the Danube River and the Ukrainian border, prompting emergency alerts for residents in Tulcea county due to potential falling debris.
Romanian F-16 jets intercepted and tracked the drone until it disappeared from radar, confirming it did not pose an immediate threat to populated areas. These coordinated defensive measures by Poland and Romania are part of a broader increase in alert status among Eastern European nations, underscoring the persistent risk of the conflict spilling over and affecting regional stability.
NATO has responded to these escalating tensions by launching its "Eastern Sentry" initiative. This initiative aims to bolster defenses along the alliance's eastern flank through the deployment of additional military hardware and personnel from member states, signaling a united front to deter further aggression and ensure the security of allied territory. The alliance is actively assessing the nature of these incursions, focusing on maintaining vigilance and readiness to defend all NATO territory.