NATO Launches Operation Eastern Sentry After Russian Drone Incursions

NATO launches a new military operation called “Eastern Sentry” after Russian kamikaze and reconnaissance drones violate Polish airspace in large numbers. The operation strengthens air defense on the Alliance’s eastern flank and sends a clear deterrence message against Russia’s reckless actions.

In September 2025, massive Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace bring NATO’s security debate to a new level. Dozens of drones enter Polish airspace. Polish Air Force jets and NATO aircraft shoot down some drones, while others crash due to technical failures. The incident shows how quickly NATO’s collective defense mechanisms can activate. The Polish government officially raises the issue to the Alliance and triggers consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty.

Background of the Operation

Russia’s war against Ukraine changes NATO’s security perception on the eastern flank. Since 2022, Russian cruise missiles and drones repeatedly head toward NATO airspace. Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states are the main targets of these violations. Many missiles and drones aim for Ukrainian territory, but their routes cross NATO airspace.

Poland raises alarms in 2022 and 2023 after several Russian cruise missiles enter its airspace. Polish air defense responds, but NATO’s collective security mechanism does not fully activate. Instead, allies increase air surveillance and deploy additional air defense assets in the region.

The Latest Violation and Escalation of the Crisis

The massive drone incursion of September 2025 marks a turning point. Dozens of Russian drones enter Polish airspace. Some are intercepted by Polish and NATO fighter jets, while others fall due to technical malfunctions. The incident creates a major security crisis in Poland and across NATO. It also becomes one of the first moments where NATO forces directly engage Russian aerial systems.

The Alliance sees the event not as an isolated case but as part of Russia’s recurring provocations. Russia earlier sends missiles and drones dangerously close to Polish and Romanian airspace. NATO interprets these actions as tests of its readiness and resolve. The September 10 mass incursion shows that Russia escalates its provocations to a more dangerous level.

NATO’s Response: Operation Eastern Sentry

At Poland’s request, the North Atlantic Council meets and condemns Russia’s actions. NATO emphasizes full solidarity in defending the territorial integrity of its allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich officially announce the launch of Eastern Sentry.

Secretary General Rutte states: “We must take a clear stance against Russia’s reckless and dangerous actions. Eastern Sentry is designed to demonstrate our ability and determination to defend every inch of our territory.” General Grynkewich adds: “The violation of Polish airspace is not only about Poland. While the full assessment continues, NATO is not waiting—we are taking action.”

The operation strengthens NATO’s military presence on the eastern flank, secures airspace, and raises deterrence against Russia.

Contributing Nations and Forces

The operation has a multinational structure. Many allies commit forces, either directly or indirectly:

• Denmark: Two F-16 fighter jets and one air defense frigate.
• France: Three Rafale fighter jets.
• Germany: Four Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
• United Kingdom: Typhoon fighter jets and Voyager KC2/KC3 refueling aircraft from RAF Coningsby.
• Italy: Two F-35A fighter jets and a SAMP/T air and missile defense system deployed in Estonia.

Poland’s Prime Minister welcomes NATO’s rapid and firm solidarity: “Our territory is Alliance territory. This operation clearly shows that no one can dare to test NATO’s collective defense principle.”

From Baltic Sentry to Eastern Sentry

Eastern Sentry is not NATO’s first response to Russian threats in the region. Since 2004, the Alliance has conducted Baltic Air Policing to counter Russian airspace violations. In January 2025, NATO launched Baltic Sentry after suspected sabotage against undersea energy and communication infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Baltic Sentry aims to protect critical undersea infrastructure and deter sabotage. The operation deploys naval patrols, sonar systems, underwater drones, and allied ships in the region. NATO sees these incidents as hybrid threats linked to Russia.

Eastern Sentry now expands NATO’s defense posture from the seabed to the skies, showing that the Alliance adapts quickly to multidimensional challenges. Together, both operations highlight NATO’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and allied territory.