20:07 12-09-2025

NATO Launches Operation Eastern Sentry to Bolster Eastern Flank

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NATO announced Operation Eastern Sentry to reinforce defenses on the eastern flank after a drone incident in Poland, focusing on air defense and new technologies.

NATO has announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry, a new mission aimed at strengthening defenses along its border with Russia in response to a recent drone incident in Poland. The move was confirmed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a joint press conference with the alliance’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexis Grinkevich.

Rutte explained that the program would reinforce NATO’s posture on the eastern flank and involve contributions from several member states, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others. He added that special attention would be given to countering threats posed by drones, with both air defense systems and new technological solutions set to play a role.

Grinkevich noted that the alliance had already begun implementing Eastern Sentry. According to him, the operation will cover the entire eastern flank — stretching from NATO’s northern borders to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

The decision follows comments by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said drones shot down over Poland posed a threat and attributed them to Russia. Moscow rejected the claim, stating that during a large-scale strike on Ukraine’s defense industry, no targets on Polish territory were planned.