NATO Jets Scrambled As Russia Launches Record Drone Attack On Ukraine: What Happened?

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 01:58 IST

NATO jets were scrambled after Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine, sending over 700 drones.

Russia attacks Ukraine with drones and missiles (Photo: X/ @ZelenskyyUa)

NATO jets were scrambled overnight after Russia launched its largest drone attack yet on Ukraine, sending more than 700 unmanned aerial vehicles into Ukrainian airspace and prompting allied air forces to enter high alert.

The unprecedented strike led Poland, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, to activate its defense systems.

“Ukrainian, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in our airspace," the Polish military said in a statement, confirming that duty fighter jets were scrambled and ground-based air defense systems reached maximum readiness.

“This was done to ensure security in areas bordering the threatened regions," the statement added. Hours later, Poland confirmed that the immediate threat had passed, saying operations in Polish airspace had concluded and activated forces had returned to standard duty.

The drone barrage- which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a “new massive Russian attack" included 728 drones of various types, more than 300 of them Iranian-made Shaheds and 13 missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhals and Iskanders.

“Most of the targets were shot down," Zelenskyy said, adding, “Our interceptor drones and mobile fire groups downed dozens. I thank all our warriors for their precision."

Ukraine’s Air Force reported the attack primarily targeted the northwestern city of Lutsk. It said air defenses neutralized 718 aerial threats, shooting down 303 and losing track of 415 during combat operations.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it was targeting Ukrainian air bases, asserting that “all designated targets were hit." Moscow also said 86 Ukrainian drones were shot down across six Russian regions, including near the capital.

Zelenskyy said damage was reported across 10 regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Dnipro. Calling the assault as evidence of Moscow’s refusal to pursue peace, the Ukrainian President again urged the international community to impose harsher sanctions on Russian oil, saying, “This is yet another proof of the need for biting sanctions. Everyone who wants peace must act."

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News world NATO Jets Scrambled As Russia Launches Record Drone Attack On Ukraine: What Happened?