Poland, Denmark, Romania, and Estonia report Russian airspace violations amid heightened NATO vigilance.
Several European countries have reported Russian drone and aircraft incursions, prompting concerns that Moscow may be deliberately testing NATO defenses. Nations including Poland, Denmark, Romania, and Estonia have seen repeated breaches of their airspace amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict tensions.
In Denmark, authorities reported multiple drones near Aalborg airport, disrupting both commercial and military operations. Police said further drone sightings occurred near airports in Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and Skrydstrup, describing the pattern as “systematic” and hybrid in nature. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized Denmark does not face a direct military threat but is taking the events seriously.
Poland faced multiple airspace violations on September 9–10, coinciding with Russian attacks in Ukraine. Airports, including Warsaw’s Chopin airport, were temporarily shut, while NATO and Polish forces scrambled to shoot down drones. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the events as a “large-scale provocation” and stressed readiness for various scenarios.
In Romania, Russian drones have fallen into the country’s territory since the start of the war. On September 13, F-16 jets and Eurofighters intercepted a drone near Chilia Veche, close to the Ukrainian border, while citizens were advised to take cover.
Estonia reported an unprecedented incursion on September 19, with three Russian fighter aircraft entering its airspace. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted Russia had violated Estonian airspace four times in 2025, calling the latest breach brazen.
NATO’s response has been swift. Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that NATO’s air defenses were fully activated during the Polish incidents, involving Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS jets, German Patriot systems, and multinational coordination to safeguard member airspace.
These incursions highlight a growing tension in Europe, as NATO remains vigilant against potential Russian provocations and tests of its territorial defenses.