NATO’s multi-layered air defence system in Poland was unable to effectively repel an attack by 19 “cheap drones made of wood and Styrofoam”, even though multi-million dollar weapon systems were used to shoot down three drones.
This was reported by Politico.
The interception operation involved an F-35 from the Netherlands, as well as a NATO refuelling aircraft, an Italian reconnaissance aircraft and a German Patriot SAM system.
After the incident, Poland closed its airspace and initiated consultations on Article 4 of the NATO Charter.
Tabloid Bild wrote that to destroy the drones that flew into Polish airspace, NATO flew two F-35 fighter jets that used AIM-9 missiles. The launch of each such missile costs about €400,000.
