Crystal Charles
NATO has launched a new mission to strengthen its eastern defenses after Poland reported that nearly two dozen Russian drones violated its airspace earlier this week.
Polish authorities said between 19 and 23 drones crossed into the country overnight on September 9–10 during a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine. Several drones were shot down, and temporary airspace closures affected Warsaw, Modlin, Rzeszów-Jasionka and Lublin airports.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident on September 10 as an “act of aggression” and rejected suggestions that the incursion was accidental. Poland subsequently invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which calls for consultations when a member state feels threatened.
On September 11, Russia dismissed Poland’s statements, claiming its drones were aimed at Ukrainian targets and may have strayed due to technical issues.
NATO responded on September 12 by announcing the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry, aimed at bolstering air and missile defenses along its eastern flank. Member states including France, Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom pledged fighter jets, naval support and counter-drone assets.
The United States, also on September 12, condemned the breach. “We will defend every inch of NATO territory,” U.S. officials said in a statement, underscoring Washington’s commitment to alliance security.
The incident is one of the largest airspace violations by Russian forces since the war in Ukraine began in 2022, and it has heightened concerns about regional security and NATO’s readiness.