Poland scrambles jets after Russian helicopter breaches airspace near Kaliningrad

Poland scrambled fighter jets on Wednesday after a Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly violated its airspace near Kaliningrad, entering for 42 seconds at 11:08 a.m. Warsaw called the incident another test of its air defense readiness. Poland’s Operational Command said radar systems tracked the helicopter and ground forces remained on standby. The event follows Polish prosecutors revealing a Russian drone found in the Baltic Sea carried a high-explosive warhead, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning Russia could launch strikes on Ukraine’s supporters. European officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of sabotage, cyberattacks, and drone operations this year, including a German airport attack in August and a Danish helicopter flare incident. Russia denies planning to attack NATO countries but warns of a short war if attacked.