September 10, 2025
Poland downs Russian drones after airspace breaches; NATO opens Article 4 consultations
First direct engagement between NATO and Russian forces triggers consultation
🌍Foreign Policy🎖️Veterans
On the night of Sept 9–10, 2025, Polish authorities reported about 19 drones entered Polish airspace during a large Russian strike on Ukraine.
Polish and NATO jets scrambled and shot down multiple drone targets. Poland requested NATO consultations under Article 4, which opens alliance talks but does not auto‑trigger collective military action.
NATO announced Operation Eastern Sentry on Sept 12, 2025 to strengthen the eastern flank with additional Allied assets.
The original numbers for injured police officers and mass arrests are incorrect and come from a separate London protest; they do not relate to the Polish incursion.
On the night of Sept 9–10, 2025, Poland reported roughly 19 drones violated its airspace during a major Russian aerial attack on Ukraine.
Polish and NATO aircraft intercepted and shot down multiple drones; up to four downed drones were confirmed by early reports.
Poland requested consultations under NATO Article 4 following the incursions. Article 4 mandates consultations when a member perceives threats. It does not automatically require collective force.
On Sept 12, 2025, NATO announced Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster air and ground defenses along the eastern flank. Several Allies, including Denmark, France, Germany and the UK, pledged forces or capabilities.
🌍Foreign Policy🎖️Veterans
People, bills, and sources
Mark Rutte
NATO Secretary General
Donald Tusk
Prime Minister of Poland
Polish Armed Forces
NATO member military
What You Can Do
1
civic action|understanding
Contact your representative about NATO eastern flank support
Ask elected officials to request clear reporting on NATO's Eastern Sentry posture and to support strengthened air defenses in eastern Europe.
2
civic action|learning more
Request NATO transparency on rules of engagement
Ask NATO Public Diplomacy to publish guidance on how alliance assets will be used to defend member airspace to reduce miscalculation risks.
public.diplomacy@hq.nato.int