Dutch F-35s Down Russian Drones in Poland, NATO Bolsters Air Defense
Dutch F-35s have begun a four-month deployment in Poland, aiming to safeguard NATO airspace and deter Russian incursions. This mission started on 1 September and will continue until December. Meanwhile, a significant drone incident occurred when around 23 drones crossed from Belarus into Poland, prompting a NATO-wide Quick Reaction Alert and airport closures.
On September 9-10, a Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A from the 313th Squadron shot down a Russian drone during its incursion into Polish airspace. This marked the first confirmed combat kill for a Dutch F-35A, with a white drone silhouette painted below the canopy rail of the aircraft. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans praised the professionalism and teamwork involved in the engagement, sharing photos of the F-35A jets and the Gerbera-type drone that was shot down. At least four drones were downed, most by Dutch fighters, with several identified as Gerbera-type decoys. Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty in response to the escalating threat from Russia and Belarus.
From December, the Netherlands will further reinforce the mission with additional assets, including Patriot surface-to-air missiles, NASAMS, and counter-drone systems. This will bolster Poland's role as a logistics hub for support to Ukraine.
The deployment of Dutch F-35s to Poland and their successful engagement with Russian drones demonstrate NATO's commitment to protecting its member states' airspace. The upcoming reinforcement of the mission with additional defensive systems underscores the alliance's resolve in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and its allies.
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