Additional Coverage:
NATO Launches “Operation Eastern Sentry” to Bolster Eastern European Defenses
NATO is launching a new operation to strengthen its eastern defenses after a Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace this week. The initiative, dubbed “Operation Eastern Sentry,” was announced Friday by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who called the drone incursion “dangerous and unacceptable” and part of a pattern of increasingly reckless Russian behavior.
The operation will involve a range of air and ground assets from several NATO allies, including Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Specific contributions include fighter jets from Denmark and France, Eurofighters from Germany, and an anti-air warfare frigate from Denmark.
Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich, emphasized the operation’s flexible and agile nature, highlighting enhanced capabilities, integrated air and ground defenses, and increased information sharing among NATO partners. While full implementation will take time, initial steps are already underway.
Grynkewich stressed that the situation “transcends the border of one nation,” and that NATO is committed to defending “every inch of its territory.” The operation will span NATO’s eastern flank from “the high north to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean,” adapting to emerging threats.
The drone incursion has sparked international concern and disagreement. While US President Donald Trump suggested the incident might have been accidental, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk firmly asserted it was a deliberate attack.
Polish officials believe Russia launched as many as 21 drones at the country, with some potentially crossing the border multiple times. The US and other nations expressed “grave concern” at the UN Security Council meeting, condemning the incursion as a provocation.
Russia’s UN envoy denied responsibility, claiming the drones’ range made it impossible for them to reach Poland.
NATO Secretary General Rutte reiterated NATO’s commitment to defending its territory, regardless of whether the incursion was intentional or not. Operation Eastern Sentry, he stated, is designed to demonstrate that resolve and capability.