After Russia launches a series of drones into Polish airspace, Germany has fulfilled its commitment to the United Kingdom to provide Poland with stronger air defense support.
NATO allies also vowed to send more troops and aircraft to strengthen defense deployments on the East Flank. The German Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that it would increase the number of Eurofighters currently used to defend Polish airspace from two to four. Previously, the UK had promised to provide fighter jets and air defense system support to Poland.
In addition, Germany will deploy a rapid response air squadron at Lager Air Force Base to be responsible for Poland's air defense missions, and the deployment period will be extended to December 31 this year. The German Ministry of Defense said: "After Polish airspace multiple times encountered aircraft entering, the German government decided to extend and expand support for Polish air alert missions."
Polish Defense Minister Vadislaw Kosiniak Kamesh announced on the same day that the Netherlands will provide Poland with air defense systems, artillery and dispatch 300 soldiers; the Czech Republic will dispatch three Mi-171Sh helicopters and 100 personnel. He also said Sweden has "emergency to provide further assistance to Poland, including air defense systems and aircraft." France will also send three fighter jets to assist Poland in airspace protection.
On the other hand, Russia calls on Poland to reopen its borders with its ally Belarus, saying the closure of the border would have "destructive effects" and warn of possible serious consequences. The border is closed as Russia and Belarus hold a joint military exercise.
The incident originated on Tuesday night. After Russia launched long-range missiles and drones into Ukraine, fighters from Poland and the Netherlands were lifted off to carry out alerts over the territory of the Allied Powers. During the process, about 19 drones entered Polish airspace, causing no casualties. Two of them were shot down by Dutch F-35 fighter jets, and three others crashed in an unknown situation.
Some analysts believe that this incident may be a test of Russia's NATO air defense capabilities and allies' willingness to respond, such as whether it is possible to initiate NATO collective defense clauses.
The Daily Telegraph analyzed a picture circulating on social media and pointed out that NATO fighters may have used an AIM-120C-7 missile (also known as AMRAAM missile) worth about $2 million to shoot down Russian drones. This type of missile is installed in several NATO countries, including the Netherlands, Poland and Italy. The Russian drone involved is believed to be based on the transformation of the Iranian "Shahd" model, and the cost per aircraft is only about US$10,000, forming a significant cost comparison.
On Thursday, British Prime Minister Kiel Stamer, German Chancellor Friedrich Melz and French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron discussed further consultations on strengthening air defense in Poland and Ukraine. A Downing Street spokesman said the UK "stays ready to support NATO's expansion of military deployment in the region at any time." The Daily Telegraph recently reported that the UK is considering sending the Royal Air Force "Typhoon" fighter jet or "Sky Warrior" land-based air defense system to Poland for assistance.
Since the escalation of the regional situation, air defense equipment such as the US Patriot missiles have become an important resource for many parties.
On the second day of the Russian drone entry incident, Polish soldiers assisted in cleaning up damaged houses in the eastern village of Wyryki-Wola. The roof of a house fell and the drone collapsed. An old couple named Allah and Tomash Vesowsky lived in the house. At the scene, a car had obvious dents and broken glass at the back, and it was suspected to be hit by drone debris.
Some local residents said that they were awakened by the sound of military aircraft in the middle of the night, and were once worried about a larger-scale conflict, and some even recalled the historical memory of 1939. Violeta, a 43-year-old shop employee, said: "I was woken up by the sound of the plane at 2 a.m. and heard the plane and explosion again at around 6 a.m. At first I thought it was an exercise or an accident, but later I learned that it was a drone crash."
Another resident named Miroslav said that he was smoking at the time and heard the sound of the plane, followed by a huge impact.
The police found damaged drone wreck near Josnufka, and further investigations are still under investigation.
