On a clear night, Polish fighter jets intercepted and identified a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near Belarusian borders, while smuggler balloons loitered over the country, prompting temporary closure of airspace.
Intercepted Russian aircraft
Despite the holiday period, the night stayed busy for air defence duties. In the morning over the international waters of the Baltic Sea, Polish fighters intercepted, visually identified, and escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying close to Polish airspace limits.
Nighttime smuggler balloon activity
During the night, radar detected objects entering Polish airspace from the direction of Belarus. Detailed analysis revealed they were likely smuggler balloons moving with the wind’s direction and speed. Their flights were continuously monitored by radar systems.
For safety, a section of airspace over the Podlaskie region was temporarily closed to civilian traffic.
Airspace management and monitoring
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces remains in constant contact with relevant services, exchanging current information and transmitting essential data on the observed objects. These services are responsible for identification and for carrying out required actions.
No threat to the safety of Polish airspace has been identified; the situation is being monitored continuously.
Operational readiness
Forces and resources stay on high alert to ensure the security of Polish airspace during this period.