On Saturday morning, the Russian Federation carried out another large-scale missile attack against Ukraine, which, among other things, hit the capital Kyiv.
As a result of the worsening situation, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces reacted preventively by raising the level of military preparedness and temporarily halting operations at two airports in the country.
In an official statement, the Operational Command stated that Polish military aviation began operating in national airspace due to the activity of Russian long-range aviation involved in the attacks against Ukrainian territory. In line with current procedures, necessary resources were mobilized, including the dispatch of fighter jets and the activation of ground-based air defense and radar surveillance systems.
According to the command, the measures were of a preventive nature and aimed to protect Polish airspace, particularly in areas close to regions considered at risk. Military authorities also emphasized that the situation was continuously monitored, and that subordinate forces remained ready for an immediate response if necessary.
As part of these measures, the Polish Air Traffic Service (PANSA) announced a temporary suspension of civil traffic at Rzeszów and Lublin airports to ensure full operational freedom for military aviation during the standby period.
❗️ Attention. Due to the activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, carrying out strikes on the territory of Ukraine, military aviation began operating in Polish airspace.
In accordance with applicable procedures, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces… pic.twitter.com/A5WI0pyYwa
— RSZ Operational Command (@DowOperSZ) 27. December 2025
A short time later, Operational Command confirmed the end of the air operation. According to the statement, the activity of Polish and allied aviation in the country’s airspace was terminated, and the air defense and radar surveillance systems returned to normal operational status. The authorities stressed that no violation of the airspace of the Republic of Poland was registered.
The statement also thanked the allies for their support, including NATO and the NATO Air Command, as well as the air forces of the United States and Spain and the armed forces of the Netherlands, which contributed aircraft and air defense systems to ensure the security of Polish airspace.
According to the Operational Command, the Polish Armed Forces continue to closely monitor the situation on Ukrainian territory as part of Operation Wschodnia Zorza, and remain on permanent alert to ensure the integrity of national airspace.
Kilde og bilder: RSZ Operational Command | X @DowOperSZ | Wikimedia
