NATO fighter jets have been mobilized for the second consecutive day following another close encounter with Russian aircraft.
Poland’s armed forces operational command announced today that they, alongside allied forces, scrambled fighters in response to a significant incident near EU borders involving an attack on Ukraine. This marks the second instance in as many days where NATO has had to deploy jets due to Russian actions.
Poland activated its fighter jets and raised its ground-based air defense systems to the highest alert level, according to the command’s statement. The organization confirmed that Polish and allied aircraft are currently patrolling the airspace, with air defense systems on high alert.
The operation concluded after Russian airstrikes on Ukraine ceased around 5 am BST. The command stated that their actions were preemptive, focusing on securing the airspace near the targeted area that faced over 600 drone and missile strikes during the overnight attack.
Ukraine’s general staff reported 165 clashes between its forces and Russian troops within a 24-hour period, prompting heightened alerts across the country. Ukrainian Air Force disclosed that Russia launched a total of 619 drones and missiles, including 579 drones, eight ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted and neutralized the majority of the incoming threats.
The Ukrainian Air Force highlighted the effective use of F-16 fighters in countering enemy cruise missiles during the airstrike, underscoring the efficiency of Western weaponry in combat. The Russian incursions into Estonian airspace on Friday, where two MiG-31 jets entered Estonian territory “unauthorized” over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes, triggered a response from Italy, Sweden, and Finland.
Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, emphasized the necessity for a unified and robust response to provocations, stressing the importance of consultations with allies for coordinated actions. US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the incident, stating, “I don’t love it. I don’t like when that happens. Could be big trouble.”
