Poland scrambles fighter jets for second consecutive day to intercept Russian aircraft

Poland deployed fighter jets for the second consecutive day to intercept Russian military aircraft operating over the Baltic Sea, amid heightened tensions between NATO and Russia.

Defence Minister W?adys?aw Kosiniak-Kamysz said two Russian Su-30SM2 multirole fighters from Kaliningrad were conducting what he described as “aggressive surveillance” of NATO air defence integration exercises. In response, Poland scrambled a pair of fighter jets from Malbork Air Base, while Swedish fighters also joined the interception and escorted the Russian aircraft.

According to Polish authorities, the Russian aircraft did not enter Polish airspace, and the interception was carried out in accordance with NATO air policing procedures.

The incident follows a similar interception on Tuesday, when Polish fighters responded to a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft operating near Poland’s maritime border. Polish officials say the repeated flights are part of broader Russian efforts to monitor NATO activities and test the Alliance’s readiness through surveillance and other hybrid tactics.

While warning that further provocations remain possible, Polish officials have stressed there is currently no indication of an imminent Russian attack on Poland.