Polish and allied fighter jets, including Dutch F-35s, were actively engaged in Polish airspace between 9:30 PM UTC and shortly after 10:01 PM UTC on September 9th, 2025, in response to Russian drone incursions originating from the Volyn region. Rzeszów Airport was closed due to "unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security," as per an official NOTAM transmitted around 10:45 PM UTC. Sources indicate that at least 13 Shahed drones have entered Polish airspace, with Ukrainian channels reporting nine UAVs heading through Volyn towards Poland and approximately 70 UAVs in the air overall. Polish F-16 jets were scrambled to observe two Shahed drones entering Polish airspace around 9:30 PM UTC. Subsequently, an additional 11 Shahed drones originating from Volyn entered Polish airspace around 10:01 PM UTC, prompting the deployment of Dutch F-35 fighter jets. Ukrainian channels reported that Polish, Ukrainian, and Dutch fighters were jointly operating in the border zone between Poland and Ukraine, targeting Russian "Kamikadze drones" that had invaded Polish airspace. Locals near Warsaw and Lublin reported hearing jets overhead, according to FaytuksNetwork. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces stated that these actions are preventative and focused on protecting airspace and citizens, particularly in areas adjacent to the threat zone. Subordinate forces and resources remain on full readiness for an immediate response. One source noted that a transponder hex code observed may not be a USAF aircraft, and Ukrainian channels identified it as a Dutch F-35. Another report mentioned one Russian drone was in the airspace of Moldova. This activity occurs as Russia continues its strikes on Ukraine, with Ukrainian air force warnings indicating threats to cities including Kyiv, Lviv, Lutsk, Zhytomyr, and Chernihiv. The RSZ operational command confirmed ground-based air defense and radar systems were at the highest readiness state. The situation is being monitored, and the Polish border with Belarus remains closed due to ongoing Russian-led military exercises, "Zapad-2025."
