Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - Poland has raised its air-defence readiness after a Russian Mi-8 military helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace on Wednesday, September 23.
According to Poland’s Operational Command, the helicopter crossed from Russia’s Kaliningrad region near Braniewo at about 11:08 a.m., penetrating roughly 300 metres into Polish airspace and remaining there for 42 seconds. Polish radar systems tracked the aircraft and fighter jets were immediately scrambled.
The incident comes as security pressure continues to build along NATO’s eastern flank. Polish military authorities said the nature of the incident indicated that Russia was once again testing the readiness of Polish air defences.
Poland has maintained heightened surveillance amid increased Russian military activity around the Baltic region and recent incidents involving aircraft and drones near NATO territory.
For Poland, the immediate priority is maintaining control of its airspace and ensuring rapid responses to any further incursions.
Ground forces and military assets were placed on standby following the helicopter incident, while Polish authorities continue to monitor activity near the country’s borders. Russia had not immediately issued a public response to the reported violation.
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