Europe Braces for More Aerial Incursions After Poland Drone Attack
In recent weeks, Europe has witnessed a surge in aerial intrusions, with multiple states reporting incursions into their airspace. These incidents, which may be a trial of both military responses and political resolve, have raised concerns across the continent.
On 9 September 2025, Poland faced one of the most brazen incursions when at least 19–23 Russian kamikaze drones entered its airspace. The drones targeted the key military hub of Rzeszów-Jasionka airport, prompting a swift response from the Polish air force and NATO allies. Dutch F-35 jets, Italian AWACS, and a German Patriot system were among those involved in shooting down at least eight drones. The incident led to temporary airspace closures and raised NATO alert levels. Poland also invoked NATO Article 4 consultations the following day.
These incursions are not isolated incidents. There have been repeated incidents of damage to undersea communications cables in the Baltic Sea, with suspicion falling on Moscow. Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, has been accused of attempting to cause 'mayhem' on British and European streets. Experts warn that Russia's multi-domain strategy includes threats to civilian infrastructure and may involve non-state actors. The cheap but disruptive nature of drones, as seen in Estonia and Poland, underscores the potential impact of these incursions.
NATO members have met to discuss these drone incursions but hold differing views on how to respond. While some advocate for a strong military response, others prefer diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, these incursions also test US intentions regarding its engagement in European security.
The recent spate of drone incursions into European airspace has raised the stakes in regional security. With Russia denying responsibility and NATO members divided on response, the situation remains fluid. These incidents highlight the need for collective vigilance and coordinated action among European countries and their allies.
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