NATO aircraft were scrambled over Poland and two airports closed after Russia launched a fresh drone attack on western Ukraine, with Polish air defences placed on high alertMatt Jackson Live News Network Reporter and Rucsandra Moldoveanu Live News Reporter
08:57, 19 Oct 2026
‘Preventative’ measures are in place over Poland(Image: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NATO jets were scrambled over Poland as two airports shut down following another Russian assault on western Ukraine. The Polish military confirmed “neccesary forces and resources” were activated this morning.
It stated ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance have also been prepared. Meanwhile “preventative” measures have been implemented to safeguard Polish airspace.
Poland indicated the situation is being monitored, reports the Mirror. A statement from the Polish military reads: “Attention. In connection with strikes by the Russian Federation on targets in the western part of Ukraine, conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles, military aviation is operating in Polish airspace.
“In accordance with applicable procedures, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ, through the Air Operations Center – Air Component Command, has activated the necessary forces and resources at its disposal. Ground-based air defense systems and radar reconnaissance have reached a state of readiness.
“These actions are preventive in nature and are aimed at securing and protecting Polish airspace, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions. The Operational Command of the Armed Forces RSZ is monitoring the current situation, and subordinate forces and resources remain ready to respond.”
NATO warplanes have been deployed over Poland (stock image)(Image: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Poland’s air navigation services agency has also confirmed that operations at airports in Lublin and Rzeszow have been suspended. It said: “In connection with the need to ensure freedom of operations for military aviation, the airports in Lublin and Rzeszów have suspended flight operations.”
This marks the most recent incident impacting a NATO member state in eastern Europe over recent months. Nations including Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic states have consistently reported drones entering their airspace.
Only last week a suspected Russian drone strike targeted two vessels off Bulgaria’s coast.
Russian strikes throughout Ukraine claimed the lives of at least 10 civilians and left 73 more wounded in the 24 hours preceding October 18, according to regional authorities. Three regions in western Ukraine came under attack yesterday morning, as Moscow’s ongoing offensive against critical infrastructure in Ukraine persists.
Ukraine also conducted a night-time drone offensive on Russia, dispatching hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles towards Moscow and St Petersburg. A significant oil terminal in St Petersburg and a substantial data centre were struck, with footage emerging online seemingly showing blazes erupting at the locations.
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