Poland scrambles fighter jets amid Russian strikes on Ukraine

Poland has placed its air-defence forces on heightened alert following a new wave of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory, while Polish and allied aircraft began intensive flights in national airspace.

Airspace over Lublin and Rzeszów has been temporarily closed, and local airports have suspended operations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Poland’s RMF24 news outlet.

The operational command also confirmed early on November 19 that Polish and allied aircraft had been deployed to ensure the safety of the national airspace after Russia launched airstrikes targeting western Ukraine near the Polish border.

In a statement posted on X, the command noted that “quick-reaction fighter pairs and an early-warning aircraft have been scrambled, and ground-based air-defence and radar-surveillance systems have reached the highest state of readiness.”

Under standard procedures, Poland’s Operational Command immediately scrambled duty fighter jets and an early-warning aircraft. Ground-based air-defence and radar-surveillance systems were simultaneously brought to maximum readiness.

The military stresses that these measures are preventive and aimed at protecting Polish airspace, particularly in regions bordering the areas of active fighting in Ukraine.

The situation is being continuously monitored, and units remain prepared to respond instantly to any threat.

Command authorities underline that the presence of Polish and allied forces in the air is a standard procedure under elevated risk and serves the mission of ensuring the security of the state and its citizens.

Poland, a member of NATO and located along the eastern flank of the Alliance, has increasingly found its airspace and border areas drawn into the effects of the war in Ukraine—especially when Russian missile or drone strikes occur near western Ukrainian regions adjacent to Poland.

In addition to domestic actions, NATO has increased its presence in Poland in recent months: for example, Dutch and Norwegian F-35s are scheduled to deploy in Poland as part of a joint air-defence mission to bolster the eastern flank and deter threats emanating from Russian actions near Ukraine.

Poland’s response underscores concerns that attacks aimed at Ukraine can carry escalation risks for neighbouring countries and trigger direct air-defence responses even when violations of Polish airspace are not confirmed. 

By Jeyhun Aghazada