NATO Scrambles Norwegian F-35s as Russian Aircraft Approach Poland

BRUSSELS, Belgium — NATO scrambled Norwegian F-35 fighter jets stationed in Poland for the first time on Wednesday after a “massive number” of Russian aircraft approached Polish airspace, the alliance’s air command said Thursday. The incident occurred as Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, including western regions near NATO territory.

Polish authorities detected intense Russian long-range aviation activity early Wednesday, prompting the deployment of the advanced F-35s. A spokesperson for the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces told Newsweek that the Russian activity was linked to air and missile strikes on targets in western Ukraine. Poland’s ground-based air defenses and radars were also placed on the “highest state of readiness.”

Ukraine reported extensive damage to its energy infrastructure, particularly in the western Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, as well as the northeastern Kharkiv region. Kyiv’s air force said Russia launched 74 drones and a combination of ballistic and cruise missiles, including Kh-22 and Kh-32 missiles from Tu-22M3 jets and Kh-101 and Kh-55 missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, stating in a Telegram post that its objectives were “achieved” and that it targeted “critical gas and energy infrastructure” supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling them another attempt to cripple the country’s energy systems during winter.

This marks the first time Norwegian F-35s have been deployed in Polish airspace since their arrival in the region. NATO countries bordering Ukraine have occasionally scrambled jets from other member states to respond to Russian activity. In October, Romanian F-16s and Polish jets were deployed after reports of an unknown object entering Romanian airspace.

While NATO has not treated such incidents as direct attacks on the alliance, member states are obligated to respond collectively to any assault on a fellow member, raising concerns about potential escalation in the ongoing conflict.