Poland scrambled fighter jets and activated air defence systems on Saturday after Russia launched strikes on Ukrainian targets close to the Polish border, the Armed Forces Operational Command announced.

On-duty fighter pairs were deployed at dawn, with radar and air defence units placed on high alert to secure national airspace. By 7 a.m. local time, operations were concluded, and systems returned to normal status. The military stressed that the response was preventive, aimed at ensuring Poland’s security amid escalating Russian activity near NATO’s eastern flank.

The incident comes days after the U.S. State Department approved a $780 million sale of Javelin missile systems to Poland. The deal includes 2,506 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, 253 command launch units, training support, spare parts, and technical assistance. According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale is intended to strengthen Poland’s defence capabilities, modernize older systems, and reinforce NATO’s collective deterrence.

Javelin systems are considered the world’s leading man-portable anti-armor weapon, capable of being launched from enclosed spaces such as buildings and bunkers.

Poland’s defence measures follow last week’s reports that its forces shot down drones repeatedly violating Polish airspace. The alleged Russian incursions sparked strong reactions across Europe. While U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the drone attacks may have been a mistake, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk rejected the claim, insisting, “It wasn’t a mistake, and we know it.”

Russia has denied responsibility, dismissing accusations from Poland, NATO, and the EU that it deliberately sent drones across Polish territory. European leaders, however, view the incidents as a potential test of NATO’s readiness as the Ukraine conflict intensifies near allied borders.