Poland boosts air defense and closes airports amid Russian strikes in Ukraine

On September 17, 2026, Polish authorities temporarily suspended operations at the Lublin and Rzeszow airports following intensive Russian drone and missile strikes in western Ukraine near the border. The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command scrambled fighter jets and activated ground-based air defense and radar systems as a precautionary measure. While explosions were reported just kilometers from the border, the military confirmed there was no violation of Polish airspace, and the airports were subsequently reopened. Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that a gas station near the border was likely hit during the aerial attack.

This incident marks the third such escalation this week, reflecting heightened tensions as strikes occur in close proximity to NATO territory. In a related development, Prime Minister Tusk announced during a visit to Ukraine on September 19 that Poland has joined the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, a multilateral initiative aimed at developing an integrated air defense system for Europe. Polish authorities continue to monitor the situation, maintaining a state of readiness to ensure the security of their airspace as the conflict in the region persists.