NATO on alert – Nighttime drone attack: Poland shoots down Russian drones for the first time after airspace violation

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Published on: September 10, 2025 / Updated on: September 10, 2025 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

NATO on alert – Nighttime drone attack: Poland shoots down Russian drones for the first time after airspace violation – Creative image: Xpert.Digital

NATO airspace: The Polish airspace violation by a Russian drone and its significance for European security

What happened on the night of September 9-10, 2025?

On the night of September 9-10, 2025, a significant incident occurred that once again escalated tensions in Europe. While Russia was conducting massive drone strikes against Ukraine, several Russian drones entered Polish airspace. This was not the first such incident since the start of the Russian war of aggression, but it was the first time Poland took active military action and shot down the intruding drones.

The Ukrainian Air Force had previously warned that Russian drones were heading west, threatening the Polish cities of Zamosc and Rzeszow. Rzeszow is of particular strategic importance, as its airport serves as a key hub for Western arms deliveries to Ukraine.

In response to this threat, Poland, along with allied forces, activated its air defenses. The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command announced that "Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have been placed on high alert." Several drones were successfully shot down, although the exact number remained unclear at first.

How did the Polish authorities react to the incident?

The Polish government's reaction was swift and decisive. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed on Platform X that weapons had been used against the aircraft. He emphasized that he was in constant contact with the military leadership, the Minister of Defense, and the President.

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz added that Poland was also in constant contact with NATO Command. This communication was crucial because, as a NATO member, Poland had to inform its allies about developments.

As a security measure, four airports were temporarily closed, including the country's most important, Warsaw Chopin Airport. The strategically important Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, through which a large portion of Western military aid to Ukraine is processed, also had to cease operations.

The population in the particularly vulnerable voivodeships of Podlaskie, Mazovia, and Lublin was called upon to stay at home and follow the authorities' instructions. These measures underscored the seriousness of the situation and the willingness of the Polish authorities to act decisively.

What military infrastructure protects Poland on NATO's eastern flank?

Poland has significantly expanded its defense capabilities in recent years and emerged as one of NATO's leading partners in the region. The country now spends 4.7 percent of its gross domestic product on defense, exceeding the NATO target of 2 percent and exceeding US spending.

As part of international cooperation, German Patriot air defense systems are stationed in Poland. Since January 2025, two German Patriot squadrons with approximately 200 troops have been protecting the airspace around Rzeszow. These systems replaced US units and are part of NATO's integrated air defense system in the region.

The Patriot system is a state-of-the-art, ground-based air defense system capable of defending against aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. It consists of a radar unit for target acquisition, a fire control center, and several launch units for interceptor missiles. The German systems work closely with Polish and other NATO forces, including US Avenger systems and Norwegian NASAMS units.

In addition, Poland is developing the ambitious "Eastern Shield" program, to be implemented by 2028 along the 700-kilometer-long border with Belarus and Russia. This project encompasses a security belt up to 50 kilometers deep with integrated surveillance, defense, and infrastructure measures. With a budget of 10 billion zloty (2.4 billion euros) from the Polish defense budget and potential EU loans of up to 20 billion euros through the SAFE program, this represents the largest defense infrastructure project on NATO's eastern flank since the Alliance's inception.

What do Articles 4 and 5 of the NATO Treaty mean in this context?

Articles 4 and 5 of the NATO Treaty are the Alliance's central elements and define how the Alliance responds to threats. Article 4 states that "the Parties shall consult each other if, in the opinion of either of them, the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of one of the Parties is threatened."

This article has been invoked seven times since NATO's founding in 1949, most recently on February 24, 2022, when several Eastern European states, including Poland, requested consultations following the Russian attack on Ukraine. Article 4 does not automatically lead to military action, but first allows for consultations on the threat situation and possible responses.

Article 5, however, regulates the actual alliance case. It states that "an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all." However, this does not mean automatic entry into war by all NATO members. Each Alliance member can decide for itself "what measures it considers necessary to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area."

The Article 5 invocation has been invoked only once in NATO's history: after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States. Importantly, the invocation must first be unanimously approved by all NATO member states before it enters into force.

How do experts assess the current threat situation?

Security experts see the repeated airspace violations as a serious security risk for Poland and NATO's entire eastern flank. Poland is in a particularly vulnerable position due to its geographical location between the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Belarus, and Ukraine.

The Polish government takes the Russian threat extremely seriously. As early as 2008, after the Russian attack on Georgia, then-Polish President Lech Kaczynski prophetically warned: "We know very well that today it will be Georgia's turn, tomorrow Ukraine's, the day after tomorrow the Baltic states, and after that perhaps my country, Poland." This assessment has proven accurate with the Russian attack on Ukraine.

Military experts emphasize that the airspace violations are not just accidental collateral damage from the war in Ukraine, but part of Russia's hybrid warfare strategy. Poland already sees itself in a hybrid conflict with Russia, which includes not only military provocations but also cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.

The region's strategic importance is underscored by the Suwalki Gap, a land corridor just 65 kilometers wide between Poland and Lithuania that connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO. A Russian breakthrough in this area could cut off NATO's Baltic partners from the West and pose a serious crisis for the Alliance.

What role does Poland play in European defense strategy?

Poland has emerged as one of Europe's leading defense players in recent years, playing a key role in strengthening NATO's eastern flank. With defense spending at 4.7 percent of GDP, Poland invests more in its security than any other NATO country.

Poland's defense strategy pursues a multi-layered approach. In addition to the aforementioned Eastern Shield program, Poland plans massive investments in modern weapons systems, including 96 combat helicopters and a new missile defense base in the Baltic Sea. This modernization is intended to make Poland a regional security guarantor while strengthening the entire NATO alliance.

Poland's role as a logistical hub for aid to Ukraine is particularly significant. Rzeszow Airport and other infrastructure facilities are key hubs for Western arms deliveries. This strategic position makes Poland an indispensable partner in Western support for Ukraine and, at the same time, a potential target for Russian provocations.

The Polish leadership, under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is pursuing active diplomacy within NATO and the EU. Poland is pushing for greater European responsibility for defense, especially in light of the uncertain stance of the United States under successive presidencies.

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How does the situation affect the European security architecture?

The September 2025 incident highlights the fundamental changes in the European security architecture since the Russian attack on Ukraine. Europe is entering a new era that requires a reorientation of defense policy.

In response to the changing threat landscape, the EU adopted the "ReArm Europe" plan (later called "Readiness 2030"), which aims to mobilize around €800 billion for defense by 2030. This plan includes five core measures: the activation of the Stability Pact's national escape clause for defense spending, the SAFE program with €150 billion in loans for joint procurement, the better use of EU budget funds for defense purposes, the expansion of lending by the European Investment Bank, and the mobilization of private capital.

At the same time, NATO has strengthened its deterrence measures in Eastern, Central, and Southeastern Europe. Germany is providing more than 35,000 troops on a high-availability basis for the new NATO Force Model and plans to permanently station a combat brigade in Lithuania. These measures are part of a comprehensive strengthening of the eastern flank, which also includes the German Patriot mission in Poland.

At the same time, European states are wrangling over security guarantees for Ukraine in the period following a potential peace agreement. A multinational force of 26 to 30 states under French and British leadership is being discussed to prevent renewed Russian aggression. This "porcupine strategy" is intended to strengthen Ukraine so that it becomes a difficult target for an aggressor.

What impact does this have on German-Polish relations?

Current developments have significantly strengthened German-Polish relations in security policy. Germany has overcome its historical reticence in defense matters and is assuming active responsibility on NATO's eastern flank.

The stationing of German Patriot systems in Poland is a symbol of this changing relationship. During his visit to Poland, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of sustained support for Ukraine and German-Polish cooperation. The joint installation of a repair hub for Ukrainian military equipment demonstrates how both countries are deepening their cooperation.

Germany also plans to station a robust combat brigade in Lithuania, providing Poland with additional security. This "Lithuania Brigade" is a flagship project of Germany's new era and underscores Germany's willingness to stand by its allies.

The close coordination between the two countries also extends to airspace surveillance. Germany has offered Poland assistance in airspace surveillance, which can be supplemented by German Eurofighter patrols over Polish territory. This practical cooperation significantly strengthens trust between the two NATO partners.

What does the incident mean for the future of NATO alliance solidarity?

The September 2025 incident tested the effectiveness of NATO alliance solidarity in a critical situation. Through its decisive response and close coordination with its Allies, Poland demonstrated that Articles 4 and 5 of the NATO Treaty are more than just paper tigers.

Rapid communication with NATO command and the integration of allied forces into the Polish air defense demonstrated the effectiveness of collective defense. German, Norwegian, and American systems worked seamlessly with Polish forces to counter the threat.

At the same time, the incident revealed the limits of automatic alliance solidarity. Although Poland was technically the victim of an attack, this did not automatically trigger Article 5. The decision on whether and how to respond ultimately lies with the individual NATO members and their parliaments.

For this reason, NATO has further developed its deterrence strategy. Instead of relying on reactive measures after an attack, the preventive effect is strengthened through forward defense and integrated air defense. This strategy is intended to deter potential aggressors in advance, rather than waiting until after an attack has occurred.

How does American policy influence European defense?

The uncertain American stance on European defense is increasing pressure on Europe to assume more responsibility for itself. Regardless of the current US presidency, Washington will continue to shift its strategic focus to the Indo-Pacific and expect greater independence from Europe.

This development has prompted Poland to conceptualize its Eastern Shield program as a "European-led project" that implements strategic autonomy while strengthening NATO's eastern flank. Poland positions itself as a bridge between American security guarantees and European ownership.

The Trump administration has signaled that the US will continue to contribute critical military capabilities, but that Europe should take the lead. This includes intelligence, command and control structures, air defense, and possibly the enforcement of no-fly zones. This division of labor approach could become a model for future transatlantic defense cooperation.

What are the long-term consequences for Europe?

The September 2025 incident marks another turning point in the development of an independent European defense capability. Europe is increasingly realizing that it can no longer rely unconditionally on American protection and must develop its own capabilities.

The EU is working hard to build a European defense industry. The SAFE program aims to provide up to €150 billion for joint procurement, focusing on priority capabilities. At least 40 percent of procurement should be joint to increase efficiency and interoperability.

Poland is playing a pioneering role in this development. The country combines massive national investments with European cooperation and NATO integration. The Eastern Shield program could become a model for other European border regions and form the basis for an integrated European border defense.

In the long term, such incidents could lead to the normalization of active air defense at Europe's borders. What is currently perceived as an extraordinary escalation could become standard procedure for protecting European airspace. This development would enable Europe to develop a more equal partnership with the United States while simultaneously strengthening deterrence against Russia.

The events of September 2025 demonstrate that Europe is ready to take its security into its own hands. With its decisive response, Poland sent a clear signal: violations of NATO airspace will not be tolerated and will be met with military force. This new resolve could be the beginning of a European security architecture that is less dependent on American decisions while being more effectively able to counter threats from the East.

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