Poland Revises Drone Airspace Violation Claim Amid Ongoing Tensions

Poland retracted earlier claims that a drone entered its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine in August. After a thorough 10-day analysis, officials found no evidence of the drone. Despite the reassessment, Poland remains vigilant against potential airspace violations from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Poland has retracted its earlier statement that claimed a drone had likely breached its airspace during Russia's attack on Ukraine in August. This decision follows a rigorous 10-day analysis and search which yielded no evidence of such an incursion.

The initial announcement had sparked concerns, especially since NATO-member Poland is on high alert for potential airspace violations linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The unidentified object, detected on August 26, was initially presumed to be a drone, leading to questions about why it wasn't intercepted. Weather conditions at the time were cited as a factor that complicated identification and response efforts.

General Maciej Klisz, head of the Polish army's operational command, confirmed the change in stance, stating it is now highly probable that no airspace violation occurred on August 26. However, he cautioned that future violations are likely as Russian attacks on Ukraine continue. Incidents in 2022 and 2023, including a stray Ukrainian missile and multiple Russian missiles, underscore the ongoing risks.

(With inputs from agencies.)