NATO has announced a new security mission named Eastern Sentry to strengthen defenses along its eastern flank after Russian drones entered Polish airspace earlier this week.
Yhe move follows what alliance leaders described as the most serious airspace violation by Russia to date, though similar incidents have occurred in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania.
The new mission will bring together resources from both air and ground bases across the region. Member states including Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and others are expected to contribute.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that the operation is designed to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to any further breaches.
NATO’s top commander, Alexus Grynkewich, noted that the alliance remains committed to defending all its territory.
He described Eastern Sentry as a flexible initiative that will cover the full length of NATO’s eastern border, from Finland and the Baltic region down to Romania and Bulgaria.
Britain confirmed its active role in the mission, with its defense ministry stating it would support the operation in response to Russia’s drone activities.
NATO did not disclose the exact number of additional troops to be deployed but underlined that its presence in Eastern Europe will be reinforced.
Meanwhile, Poland has taken the matter to the United Nations Security Council, which convened on Friday to discuss the drone incident.
The new mission signals NATO’s intention to step up security in the face of repeated Russian actions that have raised concerns across member states.