NATO vows to defend every inch of allied territory

Col. Martin L. O'Donnell, spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, stated on X that NATO stands firmly with its Allies in response to these airspace violations and is committed to defending every inch of NATO territory.

According to Col. O'Donnell, Poland’s operational command confirmed early on September 10 that its forces had been placed on alert following a violation of the country’s airspace, Caliber.Az reports.

The alert was lifted a few hours later, with authorities thanking NATO’s Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) and the Netherlands’ air force for their rapid response.

“This is the first time NATO aircraft have engaged potential threats in Allied airspace,” he said.

“Our air defences ensured the protection of NATO territory as designed.”

NATO’s response extended beyond Poland and the Netherlands. German Patriot missile systems in Poland were put on alert, while an Italian airborne early warning aircraft and a Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft were deployed to support the operation.

“We remain fully committed to defending every kilometre of NATO territory, including our airspace,” Col. O'Donnell added.

Between the night of September 8 and early September 9, multiple Russian drones crossed into Polish territory amid Moscow’s largest drone assault on Ukraine in months. At least eight drones—likely Iranian-made Shahed-136 or Gerbera variants—were detected near Zamość, around 40 miles from the border.

Poland’s military said that it had shot down drones that violated its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine.

Poland’s Operational Command confirmed repeated airspace violations in eastern regions, including Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin. Polish and NATO air defences engaged the drones, with several shot down.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as a “huge number” of drones posing direct threats to allied territory.

By Aghakazim Guliyev