Poland puts military on high alert, jets take to sky after Russian strikes on Ukraine
F-16 fighter jets (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Poland has scrambled allied aircraft in response to Russian attacks on western regions of Ukraine. The military reported that fighter jets and an early warning radar aircraft were deployed, according to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces.
"Attention. Due to the Russian Federation's attacks on targets located on Ukrainian territory, Polish and allied aviation are operating in our airspace. On-duty pairs of fighter jets and early warning aircraft have been scrambled," the Polish Armed Forces reported.
It is also known that Poland’s ground-based air defense and radar systems, as well as long-range reconnaissance systems, have been brought to a state of maximum readiness.
The press service of the Polish Army stated that these actions are preventive in nature and aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of airspace. This is particularly relevant for areas adjacent to regions under threat.
"The Operational Command of the Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation, and subordinate forces and assets remain ready for immediate response," the Armed Forces emphasized.
Shortly before the Polish Army announced the deployment of fighter jets and an aircraft, air raid alerts were issued in western Ukraine due to the threat from the Russian Federation. Reports from the Ukrainian Air Forces about danger and explosions in the western regions began appearing actively after 5 a.m.
On the morning of October 30, Poland also launched an operation in its airspace due to a massive attack on Ukraine with aeroballistic missiles by Russia.
Such incidents are not isolated. For example, on the night of October 4–5, the Russian army carried out a combined missile and drone attack on Ukraine, prompting Poland to also scramble its strategic aviation.
In Poland, serious discussions about the threat from Russia began after a massive drone incursion by Russia in September of this year. By the morning following the penetration of several dozen drones into the country’s airspace, authorities convened emergency meetings, after which security measures across the country were strengthened.
