Poland scrambles jets amid massive Russian airstrike on Ukraine

On the night of June 28 to 29, Poland mobilised its air force and air defence systems in response to a large-scale combined air assault by Russia against Ukraine. 

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces confirmed that Polish and allied aircraft were deployed as a precautionary measure during the attack, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Early morning reports from the command revealed that ground-based air defence systems and radar stations were placed on high alert. However, after 6 a.m. (local time), officials announced that the threat level had decreased and the operation was winding down. Importantly, no violations of Polish airspace were detected throughout the incident.

This rapid response has become a routine procedure after multiple previous occasions when Russian missiles, fired during strikes on Ukraine, inadvertently crossed into Polish territory.

In the morning of June 29, the Ukrainian Air Forces reported that Russia launched a record 537 missiles and drones overnight. Many of these targeted western regions of Ukraine, highlighting the intensity of the latest assault.

By Khagan Isayev