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NATO Launches Eastern Sentry Mission After Russian Drone Violations in Polish Airspace
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NATO launched a new mission under the name Eastern Sentry to reinforce its eastern flank, with Secretary General Mark Rutte presenting the plan at a joint press conference in Brussels alongside Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich. The operation was announced as the alliance’s response to the September 10 drone violations of Polish airspace, Reuters reported on September 12.
“It’s reckless and unacceptable. We can’t have Russian drones entering allied airspace,” Rutte told reporters in Brussels, unveiling the operation. The mission, beginning Friday evening, will deploy a mix of air and ground assets coordinated through allied bases.
Denmark, France, the United Kingdom and Germany have already committed forces, with other members expected to join in the coming days. Rutte said the deployments are designed to provide “credible and visible assurance” to Poland and other eastern allies.
The announcement specified a limited set of reinforcements: two F-16 fighter jets and a frigate from Denmark, three Rafale jets from France, and four Eurofighter jets from Germany.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told UNITED24 Media, "We are grateful for all assistance from all allies."
NATO flagged the event earlier today amid continuing consultations under Article 4 requested by Poland. “NATO has called a press conference with secretary general Mark Rutte and Alexus Grynkewich this afternoon.”
The operation was announced as the alliance’s response to repeated Russian drone violations of Polish airspace. In an initial statement Rutte said “numerous drones from Russia violated Polish airspace,” adding that allied air defenses “were activated and successfully ensured the defense” of NATO territory.
Allies have already begun visible measures. France is deploying three Rafale fighter jets to help protect Polish airspace; President Emmanuel Macron said the move underscores that “the security of the European continent is our top priority” and that France “will not give in to Russia’s increasing intimidation.”
Germany has expanded air policing over Poland, with a defense ministry spokesperson stating that “aviation already established operational readiness yesterday evening.”
NATO and member states continue to weigh additional steps to reinforce the alliance’s eastern flank after what Rutte has described as the “largest concentration of violations” into NATO airspace recorded to date, with a UN Security Council session also set for later today at Poland’s request.
Earlier, it was reported that Poland requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty after Russian drones violated its airspace, citing threats to territorial integrity.
