Sweden, Netherlands rush air defence, aviation support to Poland

Sweden will urgently send air defence systems and aviation assets to Poland, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced.

"I have just received information from the Swedish defence minister about the urgent dispatch of further aid to Poland, including air defence systems and aircraft. We are in constant contact with our allies," the minister said.

He also stated that the Netherlands will provide multi-layered defence systems, including Patriot missile batteries, NASAMS systems, counter-drone equipment, and 300 military personnel.

Kosiniak-Kamysz did not specify whether this refers to the previously agreed mission, in which Dutch Patriot batteries were set to replace German ones in the Rzeszów-Jasionka logistics hub area in December 2025, or if the timeline will be revised.

The minister emphasised that the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and the Baltic states have also expressed readiness to provide support. “The application of Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty is a rare and serious situation,” he noted.

On the night of September 10, several Russian drones entered Polish airspace, prompting the activation of Poland’s air defence systems. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that 19 Russian drones were detected over the country, with four successfully shot down by air defence forces.

The wreckage of the downed drones was later discovered across 11 settlements, including the grounds of a Territorial Defence Forces unit. As of the latest reports, remains of 16 drones have been located, including one that fell on a military base without causing damage.

The incident prompted NATO to invoke Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, enabling member states to consult on threats to the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any member. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the Alliance’s response as “very successful,” highlighting that the episode demonstrated NATO’s readiness to defend all member territories, including their airspace.

In response, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed—falsely—that the drones’ range “does not exceed 700 kilometres” and that no strikes on Polish territory had been planned. Analysts, however, noted that the Gerbera drones were equipped with additional fuel tanks, extending their range and enabling them to reach Poland.

By Vugar Khalilov