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NATO scrambled fighter jets after a suspected Russian missile entered Polish airspace and crashed in eastern Poland, raising fresh concerns that the war in Ukraine could spill over into neighbouring alliance members.
The incident occurred early Thursday during a large-scale overnight Russian missile and drone assault on Ukraine that reportedly killed at least eight civilians, including children, and injured more than 50 others.
According to Polish authorities, the missile landed near the village of Tarnowa-Kolonia, leaving a large crater but causing no casualties or significant damage.
A NATO spokesperson said the alliance activated F-16 fighter jets, an aerial refuelling aircraft and an airborne early warning aircraft after detecting the missile. The alliance said it would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its territory.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Poland and the alliance had activated both air and ground defence systems, describing the incident as another dangerous consequence of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who visited the impact site, said preliminary findings suggested the missile was Russian.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha also said a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile had violated NATO airspace.
The incident is the latest in a series of cross-border security concerns involving NATO’s eastern flank. Romania has repeatedly reported Russian drones entering its airspace, while Estonia and Latvia have also recorded suspected drone incursions in recent months.
Poland has significantly strengthened its air defence capabilities over the past year in response to repeated airspace violations linked to the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine.
The latest incident is expected to heighten tensions between NATO and Russia as the war continues with no immediate prospect of a ceasefire.