Russian Mi-8 helicopter violates Polish airspace, military says
A Russian military Mi-8 helicopter briefly violated Polish airspace on Sept. 23, prompting Poland to scramble fighter jets, the country's Armed Forces Operational Command said.
The helicopter, flying from Russia's Kaliningrad region, crossed into Polish airspace north of the town of Braniewo at 11:08 a.m. local time.
It penetrated Polish airspace by up to about 300 meters (980 feet) and remained there for 42 seconds, according to the Polish military.
Polish radar systems tracked the helicopter throughout the incident. Fighter jets were scrambled, while ground forces and air defense systems were placed on alert.
“The nature of the incident indicates that Russia is once again testing the readiness of our air defense,” the Operational Command said.
Poland's military said its air defense units continue to monitor the country's airspace around the clock.