Polish airspace was impacted by a significant Russian drone incursion between September 9th and 10th, 2025, prompting the closure of Rzesz贸w Airport and the deployment of Polish and allied aircraft. The RSZ operational commander initiated all necessary procedures to ensure air security, with terrestrial air defense and radar recognition systems at the highest readiness state, according to the RSZ operational command. Ukraine's air force warned that Russian drones had entered Polish airspace, threatening cities including Zamosc. Reports from Ukrainian monitoring channels indicated approximately 80 Shahed drones were in the airspace of Ukraine and Poland. Unconfirmed reports suggest Polish military forces may have shot down multiple Shahed/Geran drones over Polish territory. Rzesz贸w Airport in eastern Poland was closed due to "unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security," according to an official NOTAM transmitted on September 9th, 2025, at approximately 10:45 PM UTC. This closure was confirmed by multiple sources, including FaytuksNetwork. Polish airborne early warning SAAB aircraft were observed maintaining a non-standard surveillance pattern away from the border, noted Osinttechnical. The RSZ operational command stated that these activities are preventive and focused on protecting airspace and citizens, particularly in areas adjacent to the endangered zones. Subordinate forces and funds remain on full readiness for an immediate response. The situation is being monitored. Earlier on September 9th, 2025, Polish F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to observe two Shahed drones that entered Polish airspace around 9:30 PM UTC, with the intention of observation rather than engagement. Additional reports indicated 11 more Shahed drones originating from Volyn entered Polish airspace around 10:01 PM UTC, prompting Dutch F-35 fighter jets to deploy. The total number of observed drones reached at least 13.
