NATO Considers Easier Rules to Shoot Down Russian Aircraft Amid Airspace Violations

NATO is considering shifting from an air policing mission to a full air defense posture on its eastern flank in response to a recent surge in Russian airspace violations, including drone and fighter jet incursions over countries such as Poland, Estonia, Romania, Latvia, and Denmark. NATO's chairman of the military committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, confirmed that making it easier to shoot down Russian aircraft is being considered, although investigations and attribution are ongoing. European leaders, including Latvia's President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Poland's Defense Minister, have called for more assertive rules of engagement to deter further Russian provocations. The increased violations, described as the largest breaches in NATO's history, have sparked concerns about the alliance's cohesion and the risk of escalating into a direct conflict with Russia, which has warned that downing its planes would amount to war. Despite warnings from Moscow, Western leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and former U.S. President Donald Trump, have supported stronger defensive measures. Analysts suggest Russia's incursions aim to undermine European confidence and sow divisions within NATO and between Europe and the U.S., but so far, the provocations have instead strengthened alliance unity and resolve.