March 2024 Polish airspace violation

On 24 March 2024, Russia launched a major airstrike attack against Ukraine. The attack included at least 20 cruise missiles. At 4:23 a.m., one of the missiles crossed the Poland–Ukraine border near Oserdów, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland. The missile crossed about  of Polish airspace for 39-seconds before crossing back into Ukrainian airspace. Due to the airspace violation, the Polish Air Force and other NATO air forces launched several F-16 Fighting Falcons. These had the set mission to defend NATO airspace from Russian missiles.

Reaction
Following the attack, the Polish government demanded the Russian government explain their reasons for the airspace violation.https://www.vozdeamerica.com/a/polonia-pide-explicaciones-a-rusia-por-misiles-que-invadieron-su-espacio-aereo/7540490.html

The Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs of Gabrielius Landsbergis reacted with a "clear message". His message called for any missiles or drones over NATO territory would be shot down.

References

Category:2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Category:2020s in Poland