NATO fighter jets have been dispatched for the second consecutive day after another close encounter with Russian aircraft. Poland’s armed forces operational command confirmed today the deployment of fighters in response to a significant incident near the EU borders involving Ukraine. This marks the repeated need for Poland to deploy jets due to Russian actions during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with NATO also deploying jets for the second time in as many days.
Poland activated its ground-based air defense systems to the highest alert level while deploying jets to secure the airspace, as announced by the command. The joint forces of Poland and its allies are currently operating in the airspace, with ground-based air defense and radar systems on high alert.
The operation was concluded after Russian airstrikes on Ukraine ceased, following an overnight attack with over 600 drones and missiles. Ukraine’s general staff reported 165 clashes between its forces and Russian troops within 24 hours, prompting a heightened alert across the country.
During the attack, the Ukrainian Air Force intercepted 619 drones and missiles launched by Russia, successfully neutralizing the majority of them. The Air Force highlighted the effectiveness of Western weapons, particularly F-16 fighters, against the enemy’s cruise missiles.
The Russian incursion into Estonian airspace on Friday, where two MiG-31 jets entered without permission, triggered a response involving jets from Italy, Sweden, and Finland. Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, emphasized the importance of a unified and robust response to such provocations, underlining the need for coordination among allies.
US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the incident, stating that such actions could lead to significant repercussions. The response from NATO to the airspace violation was described as a demonstration of readiness and capability to counter reckless behavior by Russia.