NATO has announced a new military exercise, dubbed ‘Eastern Sentry’, in response to alleged airspace violations by Russian drones in Poland. The exercise aims to bolster the bloc’s posture along its eastern flank, with several member states contributing military assets. Denmark will send two F-16s and an anti-air warfare frigate, while France will commit three Rafale jets and Germany will deploy four Eurofighters. The UK has also expressed its willingness to contribute to the effort.
The allegations of airspace violations were made by Polish officials, who claimed that at least 19 separate incidents occurred on September 10, with up to four drones downed by Polish forces. Local authorities reported some damage on the ground, but no casualties. The Russian Defense Ministry has denied the allegations, stating that its drone operations are directed at Ukrainian military targets and none were aimed at Poland.
The ministry added that the maximum range of Russian drones that allegedly crossed the Polish border is less than 700 km and expressed readiness to conduct consultations with Warsaw. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also weighed in on the issue, stating that the EU and NATO accuse Russia of provocations without offering any arguments. Peskov insisted that Moscow has never threatened European countries and that it was not Russia that moved its military infrastructure towards Europe, but rather the opposite.
The ‘Eastern Sentry’ exercise is set to begin in the coming days and will run for an undisclosed period. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that the drill is intended to deter Russia and reassure member states of the bloc’s commitment to their security. The exercise is the latest development in the ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO, which have been heightened by the conflict in Ukraine. The situation remains fluid, with the international community watching closely for any further developments. The ‘Eastern Sentry’ exercise serves as a reminder of the ongoing security concerns in the region and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among NATO member states.