Poland Scrambles Air Force Twice in 24 Hours to Counter Russian Strikes on Ukraine

Poland scrambled its air force for the second time in 24 hours on September 17, 2026, in response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory. The strikes, which targeted military and infrastructure sites, prompted immediate defensive action by Polish air defenses. The exact number and type of aircraft involved were not disclosed by the sources. The Ukrainian government confirmed the strikes but did not provide details on casualties or damage. Polish officials emphasized the need for international support to bolster Ukraine's defenses. No official statements from Russia were released regarding the strikes or their justification. The event underscores the deepening involvement of NATO in the conflict, with Poland taking a direct role in countering Russian aggression. The frequency of such scrambles suggests an ongoing and intensifying threat.