NATO unveiled a major defensive deployment dubbed Operation “Eastern Sentry” after Poland reported shooting down multiple Russian drones near its border, escalating regional tensions and reinforcing the alliance’s eastern defenses.
The operation, announced Saturday, involves the deployment of additional warplanes, advanced missile defense systems, and naval assets to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. Officials said the move was a direct response to the latest incident in which Polish air defenses intercepted Russian unmanned aircraft that violated its airspace.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that the alliance’s actions are defensive in nature, aimed at deterring further incursions and protecting allied territory. “Any violation of NATO airspace is unacceptable, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of our member states,” he said.
Military analysts see Operation “Eastern Sentry” as one of NATO’s most significant deployments in recent years, signaling both to Moscow and member nations that the alliance is committed to collective defense. The bolstered presence includes fighter squadrons stationed in Poland and the Baltic states, surface-to-air missile batteries spread across strategic points, and enhanced naval patrols in the Baltic and Black Seas.
Moscow has denied intentionally breaching Polish airspace, accusing NATO of “escalatory military theatrics.” Still, Warsaw and its allies insist the drone incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by Russia’s war in Ukraine and its spillover effects on neighboring countries. Diplomats warn the standoff could fuel further military buildups, as both NATO and Russia show no signs of easing their positions on border security and regional influence.
