BELFAST — British, Danish, French and German “assets” will be deployed to NATO’s eastern flank imminently, under a newly announced Eastern Sentry mission by the alliance to bolster its defenses in the wake of Russia’s drone incursion in Poland.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during a press briefing today that the operation will launch in the “coming days” and alluded to equipment involved having counter-drone capabilities.
“Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture and make clear that as a defensive alliance, we are always ready to go,” he added.
Rutte shared that NATO allies had “expressed full solidarity with Poland and denounced Russia’s reckless behavior” during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday, requested by Warsaw to focus on Article 4 “consultations.” The clause can be invoked if the “territorial integrity, political independence or security” of a member is at risk.
Speaking alongside Rutte today, American Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) said that Eastern Sentry “will be flexible and agile, delivering even more focused deterrence and defense exactly when and where needed. He outlined that integrated air and ground based defenses will be a key part of the operation.
“Poland and citizens from across the Alliance should be assured by our rapid response earlier this week to defend every inch of its territory,” said Grynkewich.
Poland said Wednesday that more than a dozen Russian drones crossed into its airspace, most of which were shot down or crashed.
Hours after the incursion, the Russian defense ministry only said Poland was not targeted. US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters Thursday, suggested it may have been an accident, an explanation roundly rejected by Polish officials.
