NATO member Poland has intercepted a Russian spy plane flying over the Baltic Sea for the second time this week, the country’s deputy prime minister said.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that a pair of Polish F-16 fighter jets were deployed on Thursday after a Russian Il-20 surveillance-reconnaissance aircraft was detected.
“The provocative actions of the Russian Federation are testing our air defense systems,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces confirmed the interception, saying that the Russian aircraft was conducting a flight in international airspace with its transponder, which is used for identification, turned off, and without a submitted flight plan.
It comes after a similar incident in which an Il-20 aircraft was intercepted by Poland on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
The Russian reconnaissance missions this week highlight the persistent tensions on NATO’s eastern flank and the alliance’s rapid air policing posture.
Poland, like other eastern NATO members, has faced repeated airspace incursions from Russian drones and military aircraft in recent years.
As part of NATO’s founding treaty, its members are collectively obliged to treat attacks on any member country as an assault on the whole alliance.
What To Know
Poland’s Operational Command announced on Thursday that a Russian Il-20 aircraft had been detected in international airspace over the Baltic Sea on Wednesday, but Polish airspace was not breached.
It added that a pair of Polish F-16 fighter jets were deployed and carried out a successful interception and visual identification of the aircraft.
“Interceptions of aircraft do not constitute a demonstration of force, but are one of the basic tools for ensuring real control over a state’s airspace,” the command said.
“Their purpose is the rapid identification of objects that do not respond to calls from air traffic services, move without the required flight plan, or violate applicable rules.”
It added: “Thanks to the interception procedure, it is possible to immediately determine the nature of the flight, assess potential threats, and—if necessary—take corrective actions, such as changing course or directing the aircraft to land. These actions help limit the risk of incidents and ensure the safety of both civil aviation and critical infrastructure.”
Regarding Thursday’s incident, it said: “This type of provocative action by the Russian Federation does not go unanswered – we are vigilant, we respond, and we remain in constant readiness to protect Polish airspace.”
Poland regularly scrambles military aircraft when Moscow launches missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
NATO deploys rotations of fighter jets to protect Polish airspace after around 20 Russian drones crossed into the country in September.
What People Are Saying
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Thursday: “Thanks to the constant combat readiness of pilots, soldiers, and ground crew, Polish skies remain safe. The Polish military is ready every day for an immediate response and protection of airspace.”
Poland’s Operational Command wrote on X on Thursday, originally in Polish: “Airspace security is one of the priorities of the Polish Armed Forces. Every day, pilots of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland stand watch and remain on standby to ensure the protection of Polish skies.
“Protecting Polish airspace is a responsible mission of the soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, who, thanks to their professionalism and high operational readiness, ensure the country’s security and are prepared for an immediate response to any threat.”