NATO Secretary General on Violation of Polish Airspace by Russian Drones

Last night, numerous drones launched from Russia violated Polish airspace, prompting a coordinated NATO response. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Allied air defences were immediately activated and successfully ensured the protection of NATO territory.

The defensive action involved multiple Allies alongside Poland, including Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance aircraft, NATO Multi Role Tanker Transport, and German Patriot air defence systems. Rutte commended the pilots and personnel for their “quick and skillful response.”

The North Atlantic Council convened this morning at Poland’s request for consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. Allies expressed full solidarity with Poland and condemned Russia’s “reckless behaviour.” Rutte stressed that the incident “is not an isolated one” and confirmed that NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander will continue to actively manage deterrence and defence posture along the entire eastern flank.

“Allies are resolved to defend every inch of Allied territory,” the Secretary General said, underlining that NATO’s air defences remain continually on alert.

Rutte further highlighted three priorities agreed upon at the NATO Summit in The Hague earlier this year: investing more in defence, ramping up defence production, and continuing support for Ukraine. “Ukraine’s security is interlinked with our own,” he said.

Asked whether the drone violation was deliberate, Rutte reiterated that a full assessment is ongoing but stressed that “whether intentional or not, it is absolutely reckless and dangerous.” His message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was unequivocal: “Stop the war in Ukraine. Stop targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Stop violating Allied airspace. Know that we stand ready, vigilant, and determined to defend every inch of NATO territory.”

The Secretary General also noted that the incident demonstrated NATO’s readiness to respond to emerging threats such as drones: “Last night showed that we are able to defend every inch of NATO territory, including its airspace.”