Operation Eastern Sentry: NATO Bolsters Eastern Flank After Drone Violations
Martin Muduuli– Brussels / Warsaw / Berlin, September 2025
NATO has officially launched Operation Eastern Sentry, a defense initiative designed to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank following a series of drone incursions attributed to Russian sources into Polish airspace. The move is widely regarded as among the most direct responses by the Alliance since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
What’s Happening
Multiple drones were reported entering Polish airspace. Poland responded by engaging air defense measures. The government requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which obliges members to consult when the security of any ally is threatened.
In response, NATO is deploying various assets: fighter jets from the UK, France, Germany, and others; support aircraft; and additional ground- and maritime-based defense systems. The aim is not just fixed fortification but flexible readiness and deterrence along the entire eastern border region from the Baltics to Central and Eastern Europe.
Strategic Significance
This escalation reflects rising tensions in Eastern Europe and highlights how border security is becoming more complex with unmanned aerial systems (drones).
It signals that NATO is taking drone incursions seriously—not merely as occasional provocations but as potential threats to territorial sovereignty.
The move also tests NATO’s capacity for rapid response, coordination among multiple member states, and sustained engagement in deterrence rather than reaction.
Reactions & Risks
The UK has summoned the Russian ambassador, calling the incursion “unprecedented” and unacceptable.
Poland and other neighbor states are pushing for stronger airspace protection measures. Some are calling for no-fly zones or expanded air patrols.
There is risk, however, that such responses could escalate tensions further. Attribution of drone origin is disputed; Russia claims many incursions are due to misdirected systems or technical issues.
What Next
Enhanced surveillance and early warning systems are likely to be installed or upgraded along the eastern flank.
More joint military exercises among NATO states in the region.
Diplomatic efforts may intensify — both to de-escalate and to define clearer norms for drone use and airspace violations.
“NATO has launched Operation Eastern Sentry to defend its eastern allies from provocation and assert its commitment to collective security.” — Statement from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte
“If you’ve got drones putting Polish lives at risk, then NATO will take the action to take them out.” — UK Defence Secretary John Healey
