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Dutch Troops Encounter Unidentified Drones During NATO “Falcon Autumn” Drills in Poland
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Dutch troops participating in NATO exercises in Poland encountered several unidentified drones during recent drills, the country’s Ministry of Defense confirmed to NOS on October 14. A spokesperson also noted that, aside from the appearance of the drones, soldiers experienced disruptions in communication.
The troops did not initially have counter-drone systems on site. The equipment was delivered from the Netherlands shortly after the incidents.
“There was no immediate threat,” said Brigadier General Frank Grandia. “We are quite far from the Russian border. We learned from this immediately and adapted right away.”
The Air Mobile Brigade had been deployed to Poland in recent weeks for Falcon Autumn, a large-scale NATO exercise conducted jointly with Polish and US forces. The suspicious drones appeared unexpectedly as soldiers were setting up camp at an airfield.
It remains unclear who was responsible for the drone flights or the communication interference.
“We know there are parties that are extremely interested in what we do and are observing the exercises,” Grandia said. The training was adjusted but not canceled, and the drones eventually flew away.
Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in Europe, including in Denmark, Norway, and Germany, where several airports were temporarily shut down due to drone activity. Estonia also reported a violation of its airspace by three Russian fighter jets. The Russian Defense Ministry denied any border breaches.
Earlier, the Royal Netherlands Air Force confirmed its first combat engagement in which an F-35A fighter jet successfully downed a Russian drone.
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