Poland plans to make it easier and faster for its military to shoot down drones and missiles that enter its airspace.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said pilots currently must visually identify an aerial threat before firing, but the government plans to allow radar information alone to support an engagement decision.
The proposed change comes after several recent Russian aerial incursions, including a Russian Mi-8 helicopter that briefly entered Polish airspace from Kaliningrad on September 23.
Poland’s Operational Command said the helicopter incident appeared to be another test of the country’s air-defense readiness, Politico has reported.
Poland has previously shot down Russian drones over its territory, while officials have warned that Russian aircraft violating Polish airspace could face military action.
