Warsaw – Polish and allied aircraft took off early Saturday to secure Polish airspace, following Russia’s airstrikes on western Ukraine near the Polish border, according to NATO member Poland’s armed forces, reports 24brussels.
The operational command confirmed a heightened readiness, stating, “Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness.”
As a result of Russian missile and drone threats, nearly all of Ukraine experienced air raid alerts throughout its territory. In response, Polish and allied air forces conducted operations to prevent further attacks and ensure the security of airspace following the cessation of Russian airstrikes.
Additionally, Russian military jets intruded into Estonian airspace on Friday, prompting accusations of an “unprecedentedly brazen” breach by the Estonian government. This incident is part of an escalating pattern of Russian military provocations that have heightened anxieties within the NATO alliance.
How did the Russian MiG-31 fighters enter Estonian airspace?
Three Russian MiG-31 fighters unlawfully entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Friday. In response, Italian F-35 fighters, part of NATO’s air defence mission in the Baltic, were deployed to intercept the Russian jets and issue a warning, according to officials from both Estonia and Italy. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended the prompt and resolute action taken by allied forces.
Why does Russia deny violating Estonian sovereign airspace?
Russia’s defence ministry refuted claims of violating Estonian airspace, asserting that the MiG-31 jets were conducting a “scheduled flight in strict compliance with international airspace regulations” and did not breach any borders, as verified by objective monitoring.
When did Russian drones violate Poland airspace?
In a related context, a week prior, numerous Russian drones violated Poland’s airspace. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that any drones posing a direct threat were eliminated and characterized the incident as “an act of aggression.” He noted that this marked the first instance of an alliance member responding with gunfire in the ongoing conflict. Polish forces reported tracking over ten objects, with those presenting a threat neutralized accordingly.