Poland has scrambled allied aircraft following Russia’s overnight attacks on the western regions of Ukraine. The military confirmed the launch of F-16 fighter jets as well as an early-warning and reconnaissance aircraft. The report comes from The WP Times, citing the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces Х.
“Attention. Due to the attack by the Russian Federation, which is carrying out strikes on facilities located on the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation is operating in our airspace… Additional pairs of fighter jets and an early-warning aircraft have been launched,” the Polish Armed Forces said.
It was also confirmed that Poland’s ground-based air-defence systems, radar detection units and long-range reconnaissance systems have been placed on maximum readiness.
According to the Polish military, these actions are “preventive in nature and aimed at ensuring the security and protection of the airspace”, particularly in areas bordering regions currently under threat.
“The Operational Command of the Armed Forces is monitoring the ongoing situation, and the forces and assets under its command remain ready to respond immediately,” the statement added.
Shortly before the Polish Army reported the launch of fighter jets, an air-raid alert was declared in western Ukraine due to renewed threats from Russia. Reports from Ukraine’s Air Force about danger and explosions in western regions began appearing intensively after 5 a.m.
It should be noted that on the morning of 30 October, Poland also launched air operations in its airspace after Russia conducted a massive strike on Ukraine using aeroballistic missiles.
These incidents are not isolated. For example, during the night of 4–5 October, the Russian Army carried out a combined missile-and-drone attack on Ukraine, prompting Poland to scramble strategic aviation.
Serious public discussion in Poland regarding the threat from Russia intensified following the large-scale drone incursion in September, when several dozen Russian drones violated Polish airspace. By the following morning, the government had convened emergency meetings and introduced tightened security measures across the country.
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