Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said in a parliamentary address that Polish and allied forces responded in line with military procedures after 19 drones entered Poland from Ukraine and Belarus during a massive Russian assault on Ukraine between Tuesday and Wednesday.
"For the first time since World War II, Polish aircraft used weapons in an operation over our own territory," he said. "The intrusion was intentional. We know where the drones were launched from—Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, the Krasnodar region, and occupied Crimea."
Kosiniak-Kamysz said 16 drone remnants have been recovered so far, with more than 300 soldiers, search-and-rescue teams, and explosive ordnance patrols deployed to comb the affected areas.
'Our allies stood with us immediately'
He emphasised that Poland was not alone in its response, pointing to allied support from Dutch and Italian air forces operating alongside Polish pilots, German Patriot missile batteries stationed near Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, and NATO’s early warning aircraft.
The entire operation, he said, was coordinated with NATO’s Joint Force Command in Brunssum, the Netherlands.
“NATO did not yield to Russian pressure,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said. “Our allies stood with us immediately. At 10 a.m. on September 10, Article 4 consultations were launched in Brussels. That fast, unanimous response was not standard—but it was decisive.”
Several NATO members have since pledged to reinforce Poland’s defences. The Netherlands will deploy two Patriot batteries, NASAMS systems, counter-drone capabilities, and 300 troops. The Czech Republic will send Mi-17 helicopters, while France, Britain, and Sweden offered fighter jets including Rafales, Eurofighters and Gripens, he said.
'Test of national unity and political responsibility'
Kosiniak-Kamysz, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, praised Poland’s political leadership for presenting a united front in the face of the provocation, calling it a “test of national unity and political responsibility.”
He also warned that Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at driving a wedge between Poland and Ukraine remain a key challenge.
He stressed the importance of Poland’s ongoing investment in layered air defences as well as counter-drone technologies under the Eastern Shield project.
“Russia is not only using drones,” he cautioned. “It also has ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as conventional aviation. Our defences must address all of these threats.”
The defence minister also highlighted the economic costs of the response, saying that shooting down a drone with a missile can cost up to 10 times more than launching one.
He said the Polish military must distinguish between drones posing real threats and decoys meant to overwhelm air defences.
“Russia wanted to test our readiness, NATO’s coordination, and our political response,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said. “All of those tests were passed," he added.