The massive incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace was the first time NATO forces have directly engaged Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The incident, which occurred on the night of September 10, showed that Europe's air defense system remains vulnerable.
Fighters against decoy drones
According to Polish authorities, 19 drones entered Polish airspace, of which only four were shot down. The rest were Iranian Shaheds without warheads — the so-called Gerbers, which Russia uses to deplete air defenses. NATO fighters scrambled to intercept them, but most of the drones served as decoys.
Former US Army Commander in Europe Ben Hodges sharply criticized the state of the Alliance's preparations:
"Moscow should take note that we still haven't learned from what Ukraine has been facing for years. We are completely unprepared for this... and now they are at our doorstep.".
Reaction of the Allies
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the Alliance's actions a "successful response," but acknowledged the need for additional investment in creating a multi-layered integrated air defense. After all, using fighter jets worth millions of dollars to destroy drones made of wood and foam is an unjustified strategy, experts emphasize.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that some of the drones were launched from the territory of Belarus, which is preparing for large-scale exercises near the borders with Poland and Lithuania the day before.
Increased level of anxiety
Germany immediately raised its combat readiness level, transmitted data from its Patriot systems near Rzeszow and warned of the threat of provocations from Russia. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated:
"This teaches us that we are constantly under threat of provocations from the Russian armed forces.".
The incident demonstrated that the threat of massive drone attacks on European countries is not theoretical — it is already a reality. NATO will have to quickly adapt its air defense system to avoid the scenario that Ukraine faces every day.
