As Moscow’s military offensive grinds on at Europe’s eastern edge, tensions are skyrocketing on the continent due to repeated, brazen violations of European airspace deliberately orchestrated by Russia. Europe has announced counter-measures, in the form of a “drone wall” to combat this new threat.
Between September 9 and 10, 19 drones were spotted entering Polish airspace. A Nato-led air defence response was immediately activated, with Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35s scrambled on a quick reaction alert mission. Three of the drones were shot down, while at least eight others crashed within Polish territory. Another drone penetrated as far as 260km into Poland – deeper than the capital, Warsaw – forcing the temporary closure of four airports.
