Poland invokes Nato Article 4 after Russian drone incursion: What is it and what does it mean?

Poland has formally invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after reporting multiple violations of its airspace by Russian drones. Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament on Wednesday that Poland had recorded 19 such incidents overnight, shooting down at least three drones.

“The allied consultations I am referring to have now taken the form of a formal request to invoke Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty,” Tusk said. The North Atlantic Council, Nato’s main decision-making body, met on Wednesday morning for its regular weekly session but agreed to hold the talks under Article 4 provisions.

This marks the eighth time Article 4 has been triggered since Nato was founded in 1949 and the third occasion in relation to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

What is Nato Article 4?

Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty allows any member state to call urgent consultations if it believes its territorial integrity, political independence or security is under threat. The text states: “The Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened.”

Since Nato’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked only eight times. This includes three occasions linked directly to Russia’s incursions into Ukraine, including Wednesday’s meeting. Other past cases include Turkey requesting consultations during conflicts with Syria and following the Iraq war in 2003.

While Article 4 does not trigger automatic military action, it opens the door to joint decisions such as reinforcing defences, sharing intelligence, or deploying equipment and personnel.

How is it different from Article 5?

Nato’s collective defence rests on Article 5, which commits all members to respond if one ally is attacked. That clause has only been triggered once, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.

By contrast, Article 4 is designed as a preventive measure. It gives member states a forum to raise security concerns, coordinate positions, and, if necessary, prepare deterrent measures before a conflict escalates further.

Nato describes consultation as “at the heart of the alliance”, allowing governments to share views and reach consensus quickly. Officials say Poland’s move signals not just a direct security concern but also a test of solidarity within the alliance as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.


Why Poland’s move matters

For Poland, invoking Article 4 signals both alarm at Russia’s military activities near its border and a test of Nato solidarity. The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) notes that since the Cold War, Article 4 has evolved into a key instrument for members who feel threatened, even without a direct attack.

Originally conceived partly to protect colonial interests, Article 4 has instead become a way to rally allies against threats ranging from terrorism to organised crime and, increasingly, Russian aggression.