WARSAW — French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of three Rafale fighter jets to Poland following a series of Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace.
The move comes amid heightened concerns over regional security and NATO’s eastern flank.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Macron said he had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk regarding the situation.
He described continental security as a “top priority” and confirmed France’s decision to contribute to the protection of Polish airspace and the eastern edge of Europe.
Poland has imposed air traffic restrictions along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine.
According to a statement from the Polish Armed Forces Operations Command, the restricted zone will be in effect from Sept. 10 to Dec. 9 to safeguard national security.
On Sept. 10, Polish authorities reported multiple violations of their airspace by unmanned aerial vehicles during Russian strikes on Ukraine. Several drones were shot down. Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged intensified attacks on Ukrainian military targets but denied that any Polish facilities were intentionally targeted.
The incident has prompted calls for increased NATO coordination and air defense measures across the region.