NATO fighter jets were dispatched after a Russian missile briefly entered Polish airspace before crashing.

The projectile crossed into Poland early on Thursday during a large-scale overnight assault by Russia on Ukraine involving ballistic missiles and drones. The attack killed at least eight civilians, including children, and left more than 50 others injured.

Fears are growing that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could increasingly draw in neighbouring NATO members. Poland is among several alliance countries that have faced repeated incidents involving stray drones and missiles. Such episodes have become more frequent in recent months as both sides continue to exchange heavy aerial bombardments.

In response to the detected missile, NATO allies, including Poland, deployed F-16 fighter aircraft. An aerial refuelling plane and an airborne early warning and control aircraft were also sent, according to a NATO spokesperson.

The alliance reiterated that it remains prepared to take all necessary steps to safeguard its territory.

Polish officials reported that the explosion left a large crater in the eastern village of Tarnawa-Kolonia. Although no injuries or property damage were recorded, the incident is likely to heighten tensions between NATO and Moscow, as European nations worry that the nearly four-year-long war could spill across borders.

“Poland and NATO activated both air and ground defence systems,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated on social media.

He described the event as another reckless move by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk travelled quickly to the scene, saying that all available evidence pointed to the missile being Russian.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha identified the weapon as a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile that violated NATO airspace.

He stressed that the incident underscored the urgent need to reinforce Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, arguing that doing so would help protect the broader Euro-Atlantic region.

Stray drones and missiles have become a pressing concern for European governments, particularly those situated along NATO’s eastern border.

Romania has reported multiple cases of drones entering its airspace. Earlier this week, after three more drones crossed into its territory, Bucharest summoned Russia’s ambassador to protest what it called repeated violations.

In May, Estonia and Latvia also reported drone incursions originating from Russia. In Latvia, disagreements over how to respond to the incidents contributed to the collapse of the government.

Poland strengthened its air defence deployments last year in response to similar threats and has frequently reported breaches of its airspace by Russian missiles and drones.

At the European Union level, repeated drone incursions have sparked discussions about creating a potential “drone wall” along the bloc’s eastern frontier to bolster protection against further violations.