Russian Mi-8 briefly violates Polish airspace
Photo: Russian Mi-8 helicopter (Getty Images)
A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter violated Polish airspace on Wednesday, September 23, after entering from Russia’s Kaliningrad region. It remained in Polish airspace for 42 seconds, according to a statement by the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces.
The incident occurred on September 23 at 11:08 a.m. local time north of the city of Braniewo. The Russian helicopter entered Polish airspace to a depth of about 300 meters.
The aircraft had been tracked by Polish radar systems from the very beginning.
Reaction of the Polish military
Following the airspace violation, fighter jets were immediately scrambled, while ground forces and air defense units were placed on alert.
The command emphasized that the nature of the incident suggests another attempt by Russia to test the readiness of Poland’s air defense system.
Poland’s air defense units continue round-the-clock monitoring and remain on constant alert to protect the country’s airspace.
Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that Poles should prepare for a possible Russian invasion. He added that it would be prudent to stock essential supplies, prepare an evacuation backpack, and identify a shelter near their homes.
Sikorski also responded to threats from the aggressor state about allegedly destroying Poland "within two to three days." According to him, Russia would have a significant advantage in a war with Poland, but such a scenario remains unlikely.
