NATO fighter jets shot down multiple Russian drones in Poland on September 10, 2025. This incident raised concerns about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. It was the first time Russian drones had entered NATO airspace since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. While Moscow claimed the drones were not aimed at Poland, many European leaders suspected the incursion was intentional.
In response, Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows a member nation to call for consultations if it feels threatened. This action prompted discussion among NATO allies about the next steps. To shed light on this situation, John R. Deni, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, emphasized the implications of this move.
Article 4 is significant but not as drastic as Article 5. Article 5, often seen as the core of NATO, states that an attack on one member is viewed as an attack on all. This commitment to collective defense was established to protect against threats, particularly during the post-World War II era when the Soviet Union was expanding its influence in Europe.
Historically, Article 4 has been invoked several times, while Article 5 has only been triggered once—after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, when NATO allies came together to support the U.S. Militarily, this has led to NATO missions in regions like Afghanistan.
When Poland invoked Article 4, it aimed to highlight ongoing security concerns regarding Russian military activity. This includes previous violations of airspace by Russian forces along Europe’s eastern borders. Some experts believe these incursions serve a dual purpose: to test NATO’s defenses and to intimidate smaller member states.
Poland’s leaders likely hope that this move will garner more robust support from NATO allies, pushing back against Russian aggression. U.S. involvement could also increase, as Poland is considered a close ally, especially under the Biden administration, which has reaffirmed its commitment to NATO. Recent discussions indicate that U.S. military presence in Poland might expand, potentially involving additional air defense systems.
Ultimately, Poland’s actions reflect a growing impatience with Russia’s behavior. The ongoing conflict and these recent drone incidents underline the fragile security landscape in Eastern Europe and the importance of unity among NATO allies.