NATO deployed fighter jets on Thursday after a projectile entered Polish airspace and created a crater in the eastern village of Tarnawa-Kolonia. Polish and Ukrainian officials said the incident occurred during a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack against Ukraine.
The projectile landed early Thursday, prompting a response from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A NATO spokesperson confirmed that F-16 jets, an aerial refueling aircraft, and an airborne early warning plane were launched in response to the airspace violation. “NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to defend its territory,” the spokesperson said.
Polish authorities reported that the projectile created a large crater but caused no injuries or material damage in Tarnawa-Kolonia.
The event took place as Ukrainian officials reported widespread Russian strikes overnight. According to reports from Ukraine, the attacks involved ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in at least eight civilian deaths and over 50 injuries.
Following the incident in Poland, several European leaders and officials issued statements. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking from the site, said, “Everything indicates” that the projectile was a Russian missile.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte commented on the situation via social media, stating, “Poland and NATO activated their air and ground defences.” He described the event as “yet another reckless act by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its war against Ukraine.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, identified the projectile on the social media platform X as “a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile.” Sybiha added, “This is yet another clear demonstration that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense now is urgent and serves as a guarantee for the protection of the entire Euro-Atlantic community.”
The incident follows other reported airspace violations in NATO member countries bordering Russia or Ukraine. Romania has previously summoned Russia’s ambassador to address what it termed “repeated violations” from drones. In May, officials in Estonia and Latvia also reported drones entering their airspace from Russia. In response to regional security concerns, Poland has increased deployments to its air defense systems over the past year.
