Speaking to reporters on 20 July, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz revealed intelligence indicating that Russia has captured Ukrainian drones and may deploy them near or even across the Polish frontier in the coming weeks. The minister said the scenario was discussed the same morning by the Government Security Committee and could lead to heightened alert levels along the eastern border and temporary restrictions on civilian airspace. Officials fear that a cross-border drone incursion—particularly one masquerading as a Ukrainian stray—could be used by Moscow to sow confusion, trigger friendly-fire incidents or undermine NATO credibility. Similar tactics have been observed in the Black Sea, where drones without transponders repeatedly forced commercial jets to alter course in 2024-2025. Poland’s operational response will include additional radar coverage, standby fighter patrols and coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority to issue NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) if risk thresholds are breached. For global-mobility managers the warning means that flights into Warsaw, Rzeszów and Lublin—key gateways for humanitarian and energy-sector staff working in neighbouring Ukraine—could face last-minute rerouting or holding-pattern delays. Road traffic near sensitive border infrastructure such as the A4 motorway crossings may also see spot closures while military units conduct counter-drone sweeps. Corporate security teams should ensure that travel-tracking platforms capture NOTAM changes in real time and that travellers know alternative land routes via Slovakia or Hungary should eastern corridors be temporarily stopped. Companies with drones of their own must verify flight-approval paperwork, as the Interior Ministry is expected to enforce stricter geofencing rules and penalties for unauthorised launches. Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that Poland is coordinating closely with Baltic and Nordic partners; a joint NATO exercise focusing on counter-UAS tactics is slated for August. While the minister did not confirm an imminent closure of airspace, he advised citizens to follow alerts via the RCB (Government Security Centre) app. Previous short-notice restrictions in March 2025 cost airlines an estimated €2 million in diversion fuel and crew-duty extensions, underlining the potential business impact.
Source: Gazeta.pl
