Russian reconnaissance plane’s flight triggers stepped-up air defense for Poland

Poland is stepping up aerial defensive maneuvers in the wake of recent Russian reconnaissance flights near its territory, the country’s defense ministry said Friday.

The move comes after Polish fighter jets on Thursday intercepted a Russian II-20 flying over the Baltic Sea in the vicinity of the country. A similar incident happened on Monday.

“Following the latest Russian provocations and acts of aggression, I have made the decision to expand the protection of our airspace,” Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said in a statement on X. “We are increasing the activity of our air forces, including F-16 aircraft and helicopters.”

The intercept of the Russian reconnaissance plane occurred about 25 miles north of Ustka. Although it did not enter Polish airspace, the aircraft was flying with its transponder off, which posed a threat to civil aviation, Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

Thursday’s encounter was at least the fourth such reported interception in recent weeks. Polish jets also intercepted Russian aircraft near the country in mid-July, early August and on Monday, the Polish Press Agency reported.

The interceptions also coincide with suspected Russian hostilities deep inside NATO territory.

On Tuesday, Germany accused Russia of being behind an Aug. 4 incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in which an explosive-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane.

The device was defused before it could detonate. A German investigation concluded that Russia was to blame.

Kosiniak-Kamysz appeared to link Poland’s decision to step up its defenses to such events.

“Recent weeks have shown that provocations from Russia are taking various forms and pose a threat in places that have so far been considered safe,” he said.