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Allies Warn Moscow as NATO Bolsters Eastern Air Defenses After Airspace Violations

European envoys privately told Russia they are prepared to use force if breaches continue.

Overview

  • British, French and German diplomats told Russian officials in Moscow that further violations could trigger a forceful response, including shooting down aircraft, according to officials familiar with the meeting.
  • Following a 12-minute MiG-31 incursion over Estonia and a large drone swarm over Poland, NATO convened Article 4 consultations twice this month and reinforced its eastern flank under Operation Eastern Sentry.
  • Poland reported about 20 drones crossing its airspace on Sept. 10, with several downed by NATO jets and others crashing, in what officials called the most extensive incident so far.
  • Allies remain split over rules of engagement, with some leaders urging shootdowns and others warning against escalation, as Romania approved new authority to take down intruding aircraft after earlier holding fire over debris risks.
  • Russia denies responsibility and warns that downing its planes would mean war, while Denmark probes disruptive drone activity and weighs Article 4, and Canada reports no incursions as NORAD interceptions off Alaska stayed outside sovereign airspace.