Poland scrambles fighter jets after Russian strikes near its border

Tuesday 23 December 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Poland scrambles fighter jets after Russian strikes near its border

Poland placed its air defense forces on high alert on Tuesday after Russian airstrikes hit western Ukraine close to the Polish frontier. The Polish Armed Forces said fighter jets were launched and air surveillance intensified to secure national airspace and monitor activity near the conflict zone.

According to the Polish Operational Command, aircraft were mobilized alongside allied assets as part of a “preventive measure” to ensure national security and safeguard the country’s border. Authorities emphasized that the mobilization was precautionary rather than reactive, as missile fragments have occasionally crossed Polish territory in recent months.

Tensions along NATO’s eastern flank have been growing as Moscow ramps up its aerial assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Russian attacks have knocked out power to more than a million homes in recent weeks, marking one of the most intense bombardments since the early phases of the war.

Poland, which has assumed a leading role in NATO’s collective defense efforts, has steadily modernized its military and increased defense spending to more than 4.5 percent of GDP. The government plans to expand its armed forces to 300,000 personnel by 2035, positioning the country as one of the alliance’s most heavily fortified members.

Analysts say the heightened vigilance reflects mounting concern that escalating Russian operations could spill over into neighboring countries. The NATO initiative known as Eastern Sentry has already strengthened surveillance and coordination among member states, particularly those bordering Ukraine.

Polish officials continue to reaffirm their commitment to protecting national sovereignty while supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts as the war nears its third year without visible progress toward a negotiated settlement.