Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported 19 violations of Polish airspace on the night of September 10. Some of the drones flew in from Belarus, and four UAVs were shot down. Due to the nighttime incident, Poland requested that Article 4 of the NATO Treaty be invoked.
This was reported by Reuters.
According to Tusk, there were 19 violations of Polish airspace during the night. Most of the drones flew in from Belarus. Four drones were likely shot down. The last drone was neutralized at 6:45 a.m.
Thus, the fate of 15 of the 19 UAVs remains unknown.
Tusk said that Poland had requested the invocation of Article 4 of the NATO Treaty and was in constant consultation with its allies to strengthen the country’s air defense.
“The fact that these drones, which posed a threat to security, were shot down changes the political situation. Therefore, allied consultations have taken the form of an official request to activate Article 4 of the NATO treaty,” Tusk said.
The Polish prime minister also noted that the country needs not only statements of solidarity, but also greater support from its allies.
He added that there is no reason to claim that Poland is at war, but it is in a situation closest to armed conflict since World War II.
What is Article 4 of the NATO Treaty?
Article 4 stipulates that NATO members will consult with each other when, in the opinion of any of them, the territory, political independence, or security of any of them is threatened.
Under Article 4, discussions in the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s main political body, could potentially lead to a joint decision or joint action.