Polish and NATO fighter jets were scrambled early Sunday after Russia launched a new wave of missile and drone strikes on western Ukraine, targeting regions close to the Polish border. The Polish military confirmed that its air defense and radar systems were placed on the highest alert to prevent any possible violation of its airspace.

At the same time, Germany's Munich Airport was forced to suspend operations for two consecutive nights after multiple drone sightings near its runways. The shutdowns disrupted thousands of passengers, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and diversions. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the drone incursions and tightened aerial surveillance around major German airports.

Security analysts believe these incidents may be linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and could represent a form of hybrid warfare designed to test NATO's defensive readiness. Several European nations have reported unexplained drone activity over critical infrastructure such as military bases, power facilities, and airports in recent weeks, raising fears of coordinated interference.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified its use of unmanned aerial vehicles in counteroffensives, including long-range drone strikes deep inside Russian territory targeting strategic airbases and ammunition depots. These operations reflect the growing role of drones in both offensive and defensive warfare across Eastern Europe.

The latest escalation along NATO's eastern flank - with Polish jets on standby and German airports facing repeated drone disruptions - underscores how the Russia-Ukraine war is expanding its impact beyond the battlefield.

The convergence of Russian air raids, NATO vigilance, and drone intrusions into European skies highlights a dangerous new phase of the conflict. As the line between direct confrontation and hybrid warfare blurs, European nations face mounting pressure to modernize their air defenses and prevent the Ukraine war from spilling further into the continent's airspace.

MENAFN05102025000228011069ID1110151904