Recent incursions into Polish airspace by Russian drones were deliberate provocations intended to test NATO’s resolve, according to retired US Army General Ben Hodges. Speaking to the Polish news portal Wirtualna Polska, Hodges stated that the incidents were not accidental, but rather a calculated test by Russia. He further criticized Poland’s and NATO’s response as inadequate, characterizing it as a “failed attempt at deterrence.
During a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Polish airspace was breached on multiple occasions. The Polish government reported potentially up to 19 separate violations. Polish military forces engaged and downed some of the unmanned aerial vehicles, with Dutch F-35 fighter jets also deployed.
Hodges believes the incident demonstrates Russia’s lack of respect for NATO. He highlighted that the actions occurred despite the presence of 10,000 US soldiers stationed in Poland, suggesting Moscow doesn’t take the United States or Europe seriously. He expressed confidence that Russia anticipates the West will refrain from taking meaningful action.
The General also expressed concerns about the methods employed for drone defense. He questioned the use of fighter jets to intercept drones, noting that Ukrainian forces utilize different strategies. According to Hodges, there is a need for more advanced ground-based systems capable of effectively countering drones and missiles. He dismissed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s statement regarding the alliance’s commitment to defending “every inch” of its territory as both a “joke” and “virtually absurd.
Hodges previously served as Commanding General of the US Army Europe from 2014 to 2017, serving as the top US ground forces commander for Europe and the former Soviet states, including Russia. He currently resides in Frankfurt am Main.
