Poland has significantly increased its air defense readiness and deployed allied aircraft to patrol its airspace in response to recent Russian military aircraft incursions and ongoing security concerns related to the conflict in Ukraine. This heightened state of alert, announced on October 5, 2025, is part of a broader NATO strategy to bolster defenses along its eastern flank and deter potential aggression.
The Polish military has placed its ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems on high alert. This is complemented by an increased presence of both Polish and allied fighter jets conducting patrols. Poland's strategic location, bordering Ukraine for approximately 530 kilometers, underscores the importance of these measures.
The heightened readiness follows a significant incident on September 9, 2025, when approximately 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace. This event marked a notable escalation and was reportedly the first direct military engagement between NATO and Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. During the incident, several drones were shot down, mainly by the Dutch Air Force. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk then stated that the drones "represented a direct threat." In response and solidarity, several NATO allies have contributed to securing Poland's airspace.
Dutch F-35 fighter jets began patrolling Polish skies in early September 2025 as part of NATO cooperation, operating from bases such as Krzesiny near Poznań. These aircraft are tasked with supporting the protection of Polish airspace and NATO's eastern flank. The Netherlands has committed to a three-month deployment, with their F-35s operating alongside Norwegian F-35s under NATO command. Italian AWACS planes have also been scrambled from Estonia to monitor the situation following Russian drone incursions into Polish territory, with Italy currently holding the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission role. NATO multi-role tanker aircraft were also involved in the operation.
Germany has reinforced Poland's air defense capabilities by deploying its advanced MIM-104 Patriot missile defense systems. Two Patriot batteries were stationed in Poland starting in January 2025, initially for a six-month mission, to protect key logistical hubs like Rzeszow airport, which is crucial for channeling Western military aid to Ukraine. These German Patriot systems are capable of intercepting aircraft and missiles at significant ranges.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has stated that the alliance successfully ensured the protection of NATO territory. Poland also called for consultations under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The cost of one such drone, like the "Gerbera", can be about 10,000 euros, posing a challenge for air defense systems. NATO has requested a 400% increase in air and missile defense capabilities. These enhanced security and patrolling measures along NATO's eastern flank are part of operation "Eastern Sentry". The coordinated efforts by Poland and its NATO allies demonstrate a unified resolve to ensure regional stability and protect member states' sovereignty amid escalating geopolitical tensions.