On the night of 9-10 September 2025, 19 to 23 Russian drones allegedly entered Polish airspace, flying from Russia and Belarus.
Polish and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) air forces scrambled jets; up to four drones were shot down, mostly by Dutch F-35s.
Poland invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, citing the incursion as “an attack not only on Poland, but on NATO and the European Union (EU)”.
OPERATION EASTERN SENTRY MOBILISED
In response, NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry on 12 September 2025 to bolster its eastern flank.
The operation involves forces from Denmark, France, Germany, the UK and others.
Assets include three French Rafale jets, four German Eurofighters, two Danish F-16s and a Danish anti-air warfare frigate.
POLAND APPROVES FOREIGN MILITARY PRESENCE
President Karol Nawrocki signed a resolution consenting to NATO force deployments onto Polish territory under Eastern Sentry.
The deployment includes allied troops, aircraft, and air defence assets to strengthen Poland’s security and protect its airspace.
Poland already hosts about 10 000 US troops, Dutch F-35s deployed for NATO missions, and German Patriot air defence units temporarily stationed to reinforce its eastern flank.
REGION’S RENEWED ENERGY IN DRONE WARFARE
Romania reported a Russian drone breach lasting about 50 minutes, tracked by F-16s, before the drone exited over Romanian territory.
Romanian authorities called it a violation of sovereignty. Poland and others condemned ongoing drone incursions as intentional provocation by Russia.
NATO and EU officials are pushing for enhanced collective air-defence and tighter sanctions on Russia.
UNIFIED FRONT AMID ESCALATION
NATO allies have rallied behind Poland with Operation Eastern Sentry, deploying air and anti-air forces in response to repeated drone incursions.
Regional nations condemn Russian actions and demand accountability under international law.
The rise in drone warfare underscores the need for joint defence systems across NATO’s eastern flank.
The latest moves reflect both deterrence and readiness during heightened tension.
HOW CAN NATO PREVENT DRONE ATTACKS WITHOUT ESCALATING CONFLICT?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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