NATO aircraft have been sent out for the second consecutive day after encountering Russian fighter jets once again. Poland’s armed forces operational command reported that fighters were deployed alongside allied forces in response to a significant attack on Ukraine that approached EU borders. This marks not the first instance of Poland deploying jets due to Russian actions during the Ukraine conflict, but also the second day in a row that NATO has had to mobilize aircraft.
Poland activated its ground-based air defense systems to the highest alert level while deploying jets. The command confirmed that Polish and allied aircraft are actively patrolling the airspace, and air defense and radar systems are on high readiness status.
The operation concluded after Russian airstrikes on Ukraine ceased around 5am BST. The command stated that their actions were preemptive, focusing on securing airspace near the targeted area that was hit by over 600 drones and missiles in an overnight assault on Ukraine.
Ukraine’s general staff reported 165 clashes between its military and Russian forces within a 24-hour span, prompting heightened alerts across the country. The Ukrainian Air Force disclosed that Russia launched a total of 619 drones and missiles, with the vast majority being intercepted – 552 drones, two ballistic missiles, and 29 cruise missiles.
In response to a violation of Estonian airspace by two MiG-31 jets on Friday, NATO scrambled jets from Italy, Sweden, and Finland. A NATO spokesperson condemned the incident as another display of reckless Russian behavior and emphasized NATO’s readiness to react.
Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, stressed the importance of a united and robust response to provocations, highlighting the need for close coordination with allies. 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.”
