Poland still analyzing Russian drones that fell during September airspace breach

Poland is continuing its investigation into Russian drones that crashed on its territory during the 9–10 September airspace breach, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The remains of the UAVs, which entered Polish airspace amid Russia’s drone assault on Ukraine, are still under forensic examination by military counterintelligence experts and prosecutors.

Tusk inspects drone wreckage as probe continues

Prime Minister Tusk posted a video on 3 November from a facility belonging to the Military Counterintelligence Service, where the wreckage is being stored and examined. In the video, he stands in front of debris from the Russian Gerbera drones that fell during the incursion. The official doesn't mention the name of the drones.

“This is how every enemy drone ends, every Russian drone that enters Polish territory,” he said. “We are working on it. That’s why we are investing billions, billions of zlotys in a modern Polish army, in modern Polish services, to secure Polish skies and Polish land against such objects.”

In a caption accompanying the video, posted on X, he added: “Every enemy drone will end the same way.”

NATO partners involved in the examination

Special Services Coordinator Tomasz Siemoniak confirmed that the investigation is still under way. He wrote that experts from the Military Counterintelligence Service and the prosecutor’s office are “thoroughly analyzing all elements connected to this situation.”

He said allied services are also involved in the process. Tusk personally reviewed the current findings of the probe on 3 November.

The September drone incursion

On 9 September, between 19 and 23 Russian drones crossed into Poland’s airspace during a mass UAV and missile attack on Ukraine. The incursion occurred via both Ukraine and Belarus, triggering a Quick Reaction Alert involving Polish F-16s and other NATO aircraft. A few drones were shot down by allied forces, while others crashed uncontrollably in various parts of Poland. Several wrecks were discovered days or weeks later.