(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
NATO is stepping up its game on Europe’s eastern border with a fresh defensive plan called Eastern Sentry. This comes right after Russian drones buzzed into Polish airspace earlier this week, sparking major worries along the continent’s frontline.
The move highlights NATO’s quick response to rising tensions with Russia. Secretary General Mark Rutte shared the news, saying the operation kicks off in the next few days. Countries like Denmark, France, Germany, and the UK are jumping in to help. “Eastern Sentry will give us more flexibility and power in our defenses,” Rutte explained. He called the Russian drone entry “dangerous and unacceptable,” stressing that NATO stands ready as a defensive alliance to protect its members.
US General Alexus Grynkewich, who leads NATO’s forces in Europe, filled in more details. The mission will use air and sea power, beefed-up air defense systems, and better intel sharing among allies. It’s rolling out step by step, but the first actions start right away. Expect to see Denmark sending F-16 jets and an anti-air frigate, France contributing Rafale fighters, and Germany adding Eurofighter planes. The goal? Build a strong, adaptable shield across NATO’s eastern flank—from the far north down to the Black Sea and Mediterranean.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk isn’t buying any talk of this being an accident. He hit back on social media just hours after US President Donald Trump suggested it might have been a mix-up. Trump, speaking outside the White House, said, “Could have been a mistake. Regardless, I’m not happy about anything to do with that whole situation. Hopefully, it’s going to come to an end.” Tusk fired back: “We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn’t. And we know it.”
Polish officials told CNN that up to 21 Russian drones took off on Wednesday, though not all have been found. Some might have crossed the border more than once, according to Marcin Przydacz from Poland’s presidential International Policy Office. This isn’t NATO’s first rodeo—Eastern Sentry draws inspiration from the earlier Baltic Sentry mission, launched this year after suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
France is all in too. President Emmanuel Macron announced he’s sending three Rafale jets to Poland to guard the skies and boost NATO’s eastern defenses. In a post on X, he wrote: “Following the Russian drone incursions into Poland, I have decided to deploy three Rafale fighter jets to contribute to the protection of Polish airspace and of NATO Eastern Flank together with our Allies.”
This NATO initiative shows the alliance’s firm stance amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions, aiming to keep the peace and deter any threats on Europe’s edge.
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