Polish Armed Forces Report Fourth Consecutive Night of Balloon-Like Airspace Incursions from Belarus on February 3-4
Border Guard units have recovered multiple balloons, confirming their use for smuggling, with seven located after an earlier violation on December 24.
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.
