Polish Military Says Russian Mi-8 Violated Airspace

Reform.news Editorial Team · 23 September 2026, 14:40

https://reform.news/en/polish-military-says-russian-mi-8-violated-airspace/

Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces said a Russian military Mi-8 helicopter entered the country’s airspace.

“We inform you that on September 23 at 11:08 a.m., north of Braniewo, an Mi-8 helicopter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation briefly violated Polish airspace,” the command said.

The helicopter was flying from the Kaliningrad Region. It entered Polish airspace to a depth of 300 meters and remained there for 42 seconds.

The Mi-8 was tracked by Polish radars, and fighter jets were scrambled.

“The nature of the incident indicates that Russia is once again testing the readiness of our air defense systems. Polish air defense systems are under round-the-clock surveillance, constantly remaining on standby to ensure the security of Polish airspace,” the command added.