Minister: Poland ready to shoot down Russian missiles in case of threat to its territory

Poland's Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, has said that Polish F-16 fighter jets are ready to destroy Russian missiles if they pose a threat to Polish territory or other NATO countries.

However, Kosyniak-Kamysz added that there have been no cases so far where a missile was aimed at a target on Polish soil, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"We have prepared an air defence system, and we also have enhanced air defense capabilities. This includes the protection of the Rzeszów airport, which is now under NATO's safeguard," the minister said. "Our allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, and other countries, are protecting us at the air base. If our airspace is violated, whether by a missile or a drone, we will shoot it down."

Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified that Poland's defensive measures apply specifically to its own territory, noting that NATO has not yet reached a unified stance on intercepting Russian missiles over Ukrainian airspace. "We will protect our own territory," he stressed.

The minister also confirmed that Poland frequently deploys its F-16 fighter jets in response to potential threats.

"We often put our F-16s on alert to act accordingly if there is a risk to Poland," Błaszczak added. While there has not been a direct missile strike on Polish soil, he mentioned that Polish F-16s were recently scrambled during a massive Russian strike on Ukraine's regions on December 13, standing ready to defend Poland's borders.

Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested that Poland should be allowed to intercept Russian missiles over Ukrainian territory before they can enter Polish airspace. "By intercepting missiles over Ukrainian territory, we reduce the risk to Polish citizens," Sikorski said.

In a bid to strengthen its defence capabilities, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers appealed to President Joe Biden, urging him to authorize Poland to use its air defense systems over Ukraine. Sikorski reiterated his hope that NATO would give Poland permission to protect itself and its allies from potential threats originating from Russia.

By Khagan Isayev