General Roman Polko, former commander of the elite GROM unit, has voiced significant criticism of the Polish military’s response to recent airspace violations by Russian drones. In an interview with Niezależna.pl, Gen. Polko called the military’s explanations for not shooting down a slow-moving drone due to bad weather “absurd,” emphasizing that the military should be operational 24/7, regardless of weather conditions.
According to operational details released by Major General Maciej Klisz of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces Types (DO RSZ), a drone penetrated Polish airspace to a depth of about 25 kilometers. Gen. Klisz stated that the drone was continuously tracked by at least three radar stations and was ready to be shot down, suggesting readiness that was not converted into action.
The incident has triggered a search operation involving over 70 soldiers from the Territorial Defence Forces of Chełm and Lublin, with indications that these efforts will be intensified. Meanwhile, spokesperson Lt. Col. Jacek Goryszewski highlighted the ongoing and potentially escalating military threat from the east, as evidenced by multiple intrusions during the intensive conflict in Ukraine.
Gen. Polko criticized the command’s hesitance, pointing to a missile power plant frequently targeted by Russians near the drone’s flight path, questioning why the military debated instead of acting decisively. He stressed the need for constant readiness, especially given the strategic provocations likely aimed at testing Polish defense responses.
The General also proposed that NATO should engage more directly in preemptive strikes within Ukrainian territory to establish a security buffer zone, suggesting that diplomatic efforts should aim at ensuring the eastern flank’s security against such infiltrations.