Overview

• Allies have reinforced the eastern flank under Operation Eastern Sentry and are scrambling jets rapidly, yet no manned Russian aircraft has been shot down.
• Secretary General Mark Rutte privately warned Estonia against frequent Article 4 invocations, according to European officials, after Tallinn sought consultations following a jet incursion.
• President Donald Trump said shooting down violators is on the table, contrasting with retired NATO commander Jean‑Paul Paloméros, who cautioned against targeting manned aircraft.
• Poland reported about 20 drones over its territory in September and downed some, while Italian F‑35s escorted Russian jets out of Estonian airspace and several Nordic airports reported drone disruptions.
• Russia denies violating NATO borders or acting with hostile intent, as European officials press for stronger sensors and layered counter‑drone defenses to close detection gaps.