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NATO Launches ‘Eastern Sentry’ After Russian Drones Breach Polish Airspace

The deployment concentrates on countering low-cost drones that revealed vulnerabilities in Europe’s air defenses.

Overview

  • The alliance activated Eastern Sentry to reinforce the eastern flank with air and maritime assets, with initial contributions from Denmark (two F-16s and a frigate), France (three Rafale) and Germany (four Eurofighter), as the United Kingdom signals support.
  • Operations begin immediately under Gen. Alexus Grynkewich and are set to build out over several days, with coverage extending from the Baltics toward the Black Sea and Arctic as capabilities are added.
  • Allied diplomats are weighing a limited buffer or no-fly option along the Poland–Ukraine frontier to intercept drones before they reach NATO territory, though no consensus has been reached and the U.S. stance remains undecided.
  • About 19 Russian drones violated Polish airspace; Polish F-16s, Dutch F-35s and an Italian G550 AWACS responded, and while several were neutralized, some penetrated deep into Poland and caused minor damage.
  • The European Commission approved new funding to scale drone and anti-drone capacity, including a €6 billion Drone Alliance with Ukraine, as Poland accelerates force expansion and border fortifications following the breach.