Home / War and Conflict / Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones, Activates NATO's Article 4
Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones, Activates NATO's Article 4
11 Sep
Summary
- Poland shoots down Russian drones in its airspace
- First time a NATO member has fired shots since Russia's invasion of Ukraine
- Poland invokes Article 4 of NATO treaty, triggering consultations
On September 8, 2025, Poland has taken the unprecedented step of invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after its military shot down Russian drones that had entered the country's airspace. This incident represents the first time a NATO member has fired shots since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The drone incursion occurred just three days after Russia's largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. In response, Poland, a NATO member, activated Article 4 of the alliance's founding treaty, which states that the parties will consult together whenever the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any member is threatened.
As a result, NATO allies swiftly held talks on Wednesday to discuss the drone incursion and Poland's actions. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk informed the country's parliament that these consultations were taking place under Article 4. Analysts say that while Article 4 does not automatically lead to military action or the activation of NATO's Article 5, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all, it is designed to promote better coordination and understanding within the alliance on external threats.
Poland has invoked Article 4 before, most recently in the early stages of Russia's war on Ukraine in February 2022. The latest incident underscores the heightened tensions in the region and the growing concerns among NATO members about the potential for further escalation.
