Retired General Calls Russian Missile Incident in Poland a 'Farce'

Retired Polish General Leon Komornicki sharply criticized Poland's response to a Russian missile that violated its airspace, labeling the incident a "farce." He argued that despite significant spending on security and defense, the country fails to translate these investments into tangible capabilities.

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It's a disgrace, which shows not only that despite huge money for security and defense, we are proud of it, Americans praise us, we don't transform it into what is important.

Komornicki highlighted deficiencies in Poland's actual defense readiness, the preparedness of its armed forces, and the functioning of its civil defense system. He questioned the purpose of the armed forces and the nation's defense potential, emphasizing the need for effective capabilities and readiness.

A key issue, according to the general, lies in the regulations governing the use of weapons by Polish aviation. Because Poland is not formally at war with Russia, pilots must visually or systemically identify a target before engaging. Komornicki stated that the missile was not destroyed because Poland is not at war with Russia, yet he believes the country is already engaged in a hybrid war with Russia.

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They did not destroy the missile because Poland is not at war with Russia.

He described the missile incident as part of a "third stage of hybrid warfare" against Poland, aimed at provoking a significant political crisis. Komornicki warned that this could escalate, leading to casualties and material losses, and questioned the effectiveness of defense spending when Poland cannot defend itself against a single missile.

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Poland is in a hybrid war with Russia, and in this hybrid war, Russia uses military force, armed force, that is, hard power in the form of non-massive use of missiles, drones, aviation.

The general also criticized current regulations for responding to air threats, asserting they are outdated and do not match the current European security situation. He noted that with maneuvering missiles flying at low altitudes, traditional air defense systems are less effective. Komornicki stressed the importance of ground-based anti-missile systems like Patriot, adding that pilots should not fear prosecutors when making critical decisions.

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The law that exists does not match what is happening to us as a result of this war.