France summons Russian ambassador over violation of Polish airspace

France has summoned the Russian ambassador over the incursion of drones into Polish airspace earlier this week.

Acting Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Friday on France Inter radio that the ministry would tell the Russian diplomat that they would not be intimidated. He added that Russia must stop testing NATO and its allies.

Barrot called the incursion unacceptable: "This is a deliberate strategy by Russia to intimidate us, to test us."

In response to the incident, France will send three Rafale fighter jets to protect Polish airspace and NATO's eastern flank.

Personnel and ammunition will also be sent as reinforcements, according to the Defence Ministry.

During a Russian attack on Ukraine earlier this week, Poland said 19 Russian drones intentionally entered its airspace.

The activity led to a scramble by the Polish Air Force and NATO allies to shoot down the unmanned aircraft. It was the first time Russian drones had been taken down over NATO territory.