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NATO Weighs Looser Rules To Fire on Airspace Violators, Border Drone Deployments

The proposals are in early discussion following reports of airspace breaches.

Overview

  • Financial Times reports that NATO officials are discussing easing rules so pilots could open fire on Russian military aircraft that violate allied airspace.
  • Options under consideration include deploying armed combat drones along the frontier with Russia and holding exercises in remote, less protected border areas.
  • Countries bordering Russia initiated the talks with backing from France and the United Kingdom, according to officials cited by the report.
  • Allies remain divided over escalation risks, including whether to require visual identification before firing or allow radar-based engagement.
  • The debate follows reported incidents involving drones and aircraft in Poland and Estonia, which Moscow denies and characterizes as a pretext for European militarization.