NATO To Boost Forces On Eastern Flank After Russian Drone Intrusion In Poland

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 23:47 IST

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Friday said the Western alliance will reinforce the defence of its eastern flank after 19 Russian drones entered Poland's airspace.

NATO Chief Mark Rutte. (AFP)

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Friday said the Western alliance will reinforce the defence of its eastern flank as tensions skyrocketed following the intrusion of Russian drones in Polish airspace earlier this week.

“NATO is launching Eastern Sentry to bolster our posture even further along our eastern flank," Rutte told a news conference along with NATO’s top commander in Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich. “This military activity will commence in the coming days and will involve a range of assets from allies, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany."

He said the reinforcements would include “more traditional military capabilities" in addition to “elements designed to address the particular challenges associated with the use of drones". Meanwhile, Poland’s Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked NATO for its “decisive action and decisions in response to Russia’s aggressive policy".

France, Germany Pledge Support

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the deployment of three Rafale fighter jets to Poland in response to recent Russian drone incursions, saying the move was aimed at strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and protecting European security.

Additionally, Germany said it would “extend and expand" its participation in NATO’s Air Policing programme to provide more cover to Polish airspace. The country said it would double the number of Eurofighter jets deployed to four.

The incident took place on September 10 when Poland’s Air Force shot down at least three Russian drones, marking the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that such an event occurred. At least 19 Russian drones were recorded crossing into Polish territory, an act European officials interpret as a deliberate test of NATO’s resolve.

Poland boosted its security on Thursday, closing air traffic along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine to civilian flights up to an altitude of three kilometres (1.9 miles) until December 9. It had already boosted security to cope with the Russia-Belarus military drills.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke to Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and conveyed India’s concern over recent developments affecting Poland’s security.

(with inputs from AFP)

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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