France and Germany have intensified their military support for Poland amid rising tensions following Warsaw’s claim that Russian drones violated its airspace in what it described as a deliberate and “unprecedented” act against Poland, NATO, and the European Union.
The incident, which occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, led to the interception of multiple drones by Polish and NATO forces.
Poland asserted that the drones were part of a targeted strike, escalating regional security concerns.
Moscow has denied the allegations, insisting there is no evidence linking the drones to Russia.
The drone incursion coincided with a broader wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine, as the conflict—sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion—continues to intensify.
Speaking at an airbase in western Poland on Thursday, Polish President Karol Nawrocki described the incident as “an attempt to test the mechanism of action within NATO and our readiness to respond.”
In response, Germany announced it would enhance its participation in NATO’s Air Policing operations. The German defence ministry confirmed plans to double the number of Eurofighter jets deployed to Poland from two to four and extend their mission until the end of the year.
France also pledged additional support, with President Emmanuel Macron posting on X:
“France will deploy three Rafale fighter jets to contribute to the protection of Polish airspace and of NATO’s Eastern Flank together with our Allies.”
The developments have triggered international concern, prompting the UN Security Council, currently under the presidency of South Korea, to schedule an emergency session. The meeting will take place Friday at 3:00 pm (1900 GMT) to address what Warsaw called a “violation of Polish airspace by Russia.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict, offered a cautious response, telling reporters on Thursday that the incursion may have been “by mistake.”
The situation marks a significant escalation in regional tensions and underscores the fragility of NATO’s eastern front amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.