Poland mobilized jets and activated ground air defenses as cross border drone and missile threats escalated, prompting allied surveillance and readiness.

In Poland, on Tuesday evening, fighter jets were scrambled, and ground-based air defense systems were put on high alert due to a missile strike on Ukrainian territory by Russia.

According to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, published on the social network X, due to the activity of Russian Shahed UAVs in western Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation took to the air. Under current procedures, the Operational Command activated the necessary forces and assets. Fighters and helicopters are in the air, and ground air defense systems and radar reconnaissance have been brought to maximum readiness.

Due to the activity of Russian Shahed-type UAVs in the western part of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation began to operate in the airspace. Under the current procedures, the Polish Armed Forces’ Operational Command activated the necessary forces and resources at its disposal. Fighters and helicopters are in the air, and ground air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to maximum readiness

– Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces

Context and consequences

It is noted that these actions are preventive in nature and aimed at ensuring the safety of airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to zones under threat.

The command stressed that they are monitoring the developments, and the forces and assets under its command are ready to respond promptly.

Earlier in the morning in Poland, combat aviation was also deployed, and ground reconnaissance and air defense systems were put on heightened readiness due to Russia’s missile strike on Ukrainian territory.

During the day, Russia again attacked a number of Ukrainian cities. In Lviv, 13 people were injured. In Ivano-Frankivsk, during a drone attack, two people were killed and four were injured, including a 6-year-old child. In the Vinnytsia region, one person was killed and 11 others were wounded.

According to the Ukrainian Air Forces, from 18:00 on March 23 to 18:00 on March 24, 2026, the Russian army deployed almost a thousand strike drones – Shahed, Gerbera, and other types.

The situation remains tense, and the allies continue to monitor developments to respond promptly to any changes on the front.