• Poland scrambles military aircraft to secure airspace against potential Russian drone strikes.
• Lublin airport is closed as a precautionary measure amid the heightened threat.
• Multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland prompting NATO intervention.

Poland has deployed its military aircraft in a "preventative" operation following concerns over drone strikes from neighboring Ukraine. This decision led to the closure of the Lublin airport on September 13, as authorities perceived an imminent threat from Russian drones. The Operational Command stated that these actions aimed to ensure national airspace security, particularly after several Russian drones had crossed into Polish territory earlier in the week, prompting NATO to send fighter jets to intercept them, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The Polish military's operational command highlighted that the air defense and reconnaissance systems were put on high alert. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed on social media that preventive air operations had commenced due to threats from Russian drones over Ukraine, reinforcing Poland’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and airspace integrity. Alerts about this situation were disseminated via the military's official communications, according to Newsweek and Los Angeles Times.

Authorities specified that while no immediate violations of Polish airspace were reported, the situation remains tense and vigilant. Russian officials have denied targeting Poland, attributing the drone incursions to technical malfunctions. Nonetheless, European leaders suspect these actions are provocations amid heightened international tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This incident raises significant concerns regarding the potential for further escalation in the region, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.