Polish Armed Forces Report Fourth Consecutive Night of Balloon-Like Airspace Incursions from Belarus on February 3-4

POLAND - On the night of February 3 to 4, 2026, military radar systems detected additional incursions into Polish airspace by balloon-like objects originating from Belarus, marking the fourth such event in five days.

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, in coordination with state security services, intercepted the objects and detained individuals suspected of involvement.

These flights were continuously monitored and posed no threat to aviation safety or Polish citizens. This incident follows a pattern of similar violations attributed to Belarusian hybrid activities, often involving smuggling balloons carrying contraband such as cigarettes, prompting temporary airspace restrictions in the Podlaskie Voivodeship.

The series began on the night of January 31 to February 1, when radar systems first registered balloon-like objects entering Polish airspace, interpreted as Belarusian attempts to conduct reconnaissance and test air defense responses.

Subsequent incursions occurred on February 1 to 2 and February 2 to 3, with a noticeable decrease in scale during the latest event. Polish authorities have linked these to ongoing border tensions, describing them as part of Minsk’s destabilization efforts against NATO’s eastern flank.

Border Guard units have recovered multiple balloons, confirming their use for smuggling, with seven located after an earlier violation on December 24.

Official Statements

• Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ (February 4, 2026): “In the night from 3 to 4 February 2026, military radar systems recorded further entries into Polish airspace of balloon-type objects. Cooperation of the Polish Armed Forces with services responsible for state security enabled these services to react quickly, including taking over the objects and detaining persons suspected of these incidents. The flights of the objects were monitored and did not pose a threat to aviation safety or the citizens of the Republic of Poland. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland remain in 24/7 readiness to ensure the safety of the airspace.”

• Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ (February 2, 2026): “In the night from 1 to 2 February 2026, military radar systems of the Republic of Poland recorded entries into Polish airspace of balloon objects. The scale of hybrid incidents from the Belarusian side was clearly smaller compared to previous nights. Cooperation of the Polish Armed Forces with services responsible for state security allows these services to react quickly, including taking over objects and detaining persons suspected of these incidents. The flights of the objects were monitored and did not create a threat to air traffic safety or the citizens of the Republic of Poland. The Polish Armed Forces remain ready to ensure the safety of Polish airspace.”

• Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ (February 1, 2026): “In the night from 31 January to 1 February 2026, the Belarusian side made another attempt to reconnaissance and check the reaction of the air defense systems of the Republic of Poland, which registered entries into Polish airspace of objects resembling balloons. The flights of the objects were monitored by military radar systems and did not constitute a threat to the safety of Polish airspace. The Operational Command of the Armed Forces is in constant contact with the relevant services and institutions and continuously provides collected data regarding the observed objects. The Polish Armed Forces remain ready to carry out tasks related to ensuring the safety of Polish airspace.”