NATO Launches Eastern Sentry to Strengthen Eastern Flank Defense After Russian Drone Incursion

NATO has launched Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen defenses along its eastern flank following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace on September 10. The mission will deploy assets from several allies, including Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, featuring integrated air and ground-based defenses with a particular focus on countering drone threats. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the operation's role in deterrence and defense, reiterating the alliance's readiness to protect every inch of its territory and condemning Russia's actions as reckless and unacceptable. Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich highlighted that the operation represents a new, comprehensive defense approach, incorporating lessons learned from Ukraine's experience with drone defenses. NATO invoked Article 4 consultations in response to the incident, signaling the seriousness of the threat to member states' territorial integrity. The alliance plans to continue strengthening its posture with forward land forces and enhanced air defenses to address the increasing frequency of Russian provocations.