NATO Deploys Fighter Jets After Russian Missile Enters Polish Airspace
A Russian missile that entered Poland's airspace prompted NATO to scramble fighter jets and other aircraft, raising concerns over the conflict's spillover into NATO territory.
NATO scrambled fighter jets, an aerial refuelling aircraft and an early-warning plane after a Russian missile entered Polish airspace early Thursday. The missile was part of a larger barrage of ballistic missiles and drones launched by Russia against Ukraine overnight, which killed at least eight civilians and injured more than 50.
Polish authorities reported that the missile exploded in the eastern village of Tarnawa-Kolonia, creating a wide crater but causing no injuries or damage. The incident prompted Poland and NATO to activate air and ground defences.
"Poland and NATO activated their air and ground defences," NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on social media.
"This incident is yet another reckless act by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its war against Ukraine," he added.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the evidence indicated the projectile was Russian, while Ukraine’s foreign minister identified it as a Kh-101 cruise missile.
"This is yet another clear demonstration that strengthening Ukraine’s air defence now is urgent and serves as a guarantee for the protection of the entire Euro-Atlantic community," Ukraine’s foreign minister said.
The event adds to a series of recent airspace violations reported by NATO members on the alliance’s eastern flank, including stray drones over Romania, Estonia and Latvia. NATO officials said the alliance will continue to take all necessary measures to defend its territory.