A Belarusian Ministry of Defense release confirms that a Polish military helicopter entered Belarusian airspace on two occasions on September 28. The notice describes the event as a breach detected by national radar and tracking systems managed by the Air Force and Air Defense Forces. It states that a Polish aircraft was observed approaching the Belarusian border, and then, after a brief interval, again crossing the border at a second point. The ministry emphasizes that Minsk did not hesitate to respond, dispatching a duty aircraft to the area in order to monitor the situation in real time. The incident is framed as a clear infringement of Belarusian sovereignty and airspace rules, and the ministry notes that all the relevant circumstances have been identified during initial verification. The report also mentions that the Ministry of Defense intends to submit an official note on the matter in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure proper diplomatic channels are engaged. The language used in the release stresses the seriousness with which Belarus treats any unauthorized incursions, and it indicates that the government will continue to assess the incident through the appropriate ministries and agencies. [citation: Belarusian Ministry of Defense]
In a separate historical reference, the release recalls an earlier event from September 1, when a Polish Mi-24 military helicopter reportedly crossed the border within a distance of about one kilometer. This prior incident is presented as part of a pattern of border activity that Minsk continues to monitor closely. The ministry notes that border security and airspace control remain a high priority, and it suggests that such encounters are taken seriously given the potential for escalation if not addressed promptly and through official channels. [citation: Belarusian Ministry of Defense]
The ongoing situation is described as one that requires careful diplomatic handling. The Minsk authorities are portrayed as following standard procedures, ready to engage with Warsaw through formal diplomatic communications while preserving safety and territorial integrity. The government’s position highlights its commitment to transparent reporting of airspace violations and to maintaining robust defenses against any unauthorized incursions. The press service underscores that the incident is now part of a formal record, with authorities prepared to investigate, document, and communicate progress as discussions with foreign ministries advance. [citation: Belarusian Ministry of Defense]
Observers note that Belarusian officials have historically emphasized the need for restraint and verification in such encounters. The current statements from Minsk stress that border protection capabilities are functioning as intended and that the air defense system continues to operate in a state of readiness. While the exact flight paths and altitudes are described in general terms within the official release, the emphasis remains on the principle of sovereignty and the responsibility of neighboring states to respect international borders. The Ministry of Defense reiterates its openness to cooperative discussion aimed at preventing future border incidents and enhancing mutual understanding of airspace rules. [citation: Belarusian Ministry of Defense]
Taken together, the sequence of events from September 1 and September 28 is framed as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance along the Belarusian border. The government’s communication strategy centers on documenting each occurrence, pursuing formal diplomatic notes, and maintaining situational awareness that can support any future diplomatic or security measures. The language of the report communicates a clear expectation: any unauthorized border crossing will be treated as a serious violation, and all steps will be taken within the framework of national defense protocols and international cooperation. [citation: Belarusian Ministry of Defense]