NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced the launch of Operation “Eastern Sentry” to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank after Russian drones breached Polish airspace.
“This is reckless and unacceptable. We cannot allow Russian drones to violate allied airspace,” Rutte said at a press conference alongside Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Aleksus Grinkevich.
According to the alliance’s press release, Eastern Sentry is a multi-pronged exercise that began on September 12 and will last “for an indefinite period.” Details of the operation have not been disclosed, but it includes a range of assets from NATO member states. Denmark, France, the United Kingdom and Germany have already joined the mission.
“Countering aggression and defending every member of the alliance are paramount. Protecting the eastern flank is our key task,” the NATO chief emphasized.
On Thursday, September 11, Poland asked allies to provide additional air-defense systems and counter-drone technology to better guard against Russian incursions.
In the early hours of Wednesday, September 10, about 20 Russian drones entered Polish territory. Poland and its NATO allies scrambled fighter jets. The alliance invoked Article 4 to initiate consultations and potential joint action in response to the threat.
