In Poland on Saturday, September 20, fragments were found that likely belong to the latest of the sought Russian drones that arrived in the country during the night of September 9 to 10. The information was confirmed by law enforcement authorities and military services.
The police seized an object resembling a drone after it was spotted by a landowner about 50 meters from buildings in the village of Korsze in Kętrzyn County, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The finding was recorded around 14:00 local time, after which procedural actions at the scene were started in cooperation with the military prosecutor’s office and other units.
At this time we believe this is the last of the drones sought that entered Polish territory during the night of September 9–10.
– Daniel Brodovsky
According to the spokesperson for the Olsztyn District Prosecutor’s Office, Daniel Brodovsky, the find was a polystyrene foam drone that had lain in a field for several days in a state of wear. A full inspection of the object and gathering of evidence at the scene are currently underway.
On the night of September 10, several Russian drones violated Poland’s airspace. In response, the country’s armed forces took defensive measures: those drones that posed an immediate threat were shot down by Polish and allied aircraft. This marked the first time in modern Polish history that the Air Forces used weapons in the country’s airspace to destroy foreign objects.
The debris was also found in five voivodeships: Lublin, Masovian, Świętokrzyskie, Łódź, and Warmian-Masurian. Following the incident, government and military authorities continue to analyze the scale and consequences of the breach.
Timeline of events and international reaction
During the events of September 9–10, Russian drones violated Polish airspace, triggering corresponding defensive actions by Poland. Prime Minister Donald Tusk informed global partners about the threat level and clarified that a significant portion of the intruders had been destroyed. On the same day, NATO was informed about the developments and the plan of action for the future.
On September 12, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the start of the operation “Eastern Watch” on the alliance’s eastern flank. The main aim is to neutralize threats related to the use of drones, with resources drawn from several NATO members. The operation provides for the use of both conventional military capabilities and special measures against unmanned systems.
On September 14, the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, signed a resolution allowing the presence on the country’s territory of military personnel from NATO member countries within the framework of the operation. This decision enables coordination of actions among allies to counter further threats to Poland’s airspace and the region.