Dutch F-35s join Poland in downing Russian drones over NATO airspace

Dutch F-35 fighter jets assisted the Polish Air Force in intercepting and shooting down several Russian drones that violated Polish airspace overnight, in what officials are describing as a serious act of aggression and a dangerous escalation near NATO's eastern frontier.

According to a statement posted on X by the Polish military, the drones were identified as Russian and had initially been used in an attack on Ukrainian territory before crossing into Polish airspace, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The Polish Air Force responded swiftly, downing the UAVs with support from Dutch aircraft participating in NATO's ongoing air surveillance operations in the region.

“We thank NATO and the Netherlands Air Force, whose F-35 fighters helped ensure safety in Polish skies tonight,” the Polish military said.

The Dutch F-35s have been operating in Eastern Europe under NATO command since September 1, as part of a broader mission to bolster the alliance’s air defences in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing cross-border incidents.

Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel condemned the drone incursion, calling it a clear violation of NATO territory. “The Netherlands fully supports Poland,” he wrote on X. “NATO must remain ready, and stricter sanctions should put greater pressure on Russia's war economy.”

Despite growing calls for clarification, the Dutch Ministry of Defence has yet to issue a public statement.

The Polish military described the drone incursion as “an act of aggression that poses a threat to our citizens,” and local authorities have since launched debris recovery operations. A damaged drone was found near the village of Czosnówka in eastern Poland, just dozens of kilometers from the Belarusian border.

The exact number of drones involved remains unclear, but Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk characterized the incident as significant. “Last night, the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down,” Tusk said in a post on X.

In response, the Polish government has convened an emergency meeting, and Prime Minister Tusk has briefed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the unfolding situation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also weighed in, stating that at least eight strike drones were heading toward Polish territory, underscoring the broader threat posed to the alliance. “An extremely dangerous precedent for Europe,” he said, referring to the strike on NATO soil.

By Vafa Guliyeva