NATO Launches Operation Eastern Sentry

NATO is deploying aviation and air defense assets to reinforce its eastern borders in response to violations of Polish airspace.

The news was published on NATO’s official website.

The operation, led by Allied Command Operations, will begin in the coming days and will last indefinitely to reinforce the Allies’ positions and cover along the eastern borders.

The ‘Eastern Sentry’ is a response to ongoing airspace violations, including the intrusion of Russian drones into Polish airspace on September 10th.

“Eastern Sentry and this new approach will deliver even more focused and flexible deterrence and defence where and when needed to protect our people and deter against further reckless and dangerous acts like what occurred earlier this week,” emphasized Hrynkiewicz.

The decision to launch the operation was made after a meeting of the Alliance Council on September 10th, which was convened in response to the Polish government’s invocation of Article 4 of NATO’s Washington Treaty, which provides for consultations between allies in the event of a threat to a member.

The allies have already announced the deployment of their forces as part of Operation Eastern Sentry:

• Denmark – two F-16 fighters and an air defense frigate,
• France – three Rafale fighter jets,
• Germany – four Eurofighter jets.

The United Kingdom has also expressed its readiness to support. These and other forces will reinforce existing allied units and strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense posture.

The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces stated that as part of the operation, the alliance would deploy anti-missile systems, air defense capabilities, and improved information exchange systems between states.

Russia on NATO’s Eastern Flank

Shortly after the invasion of Polish airspace by Russian drones, Russia and Belarus launched large-scale military maneuvers called ‘Zapad 2025’ involving about 30,000 Russian soldiers and equipment near the Polish-Belarusian border.

In parallel with the exercises in Belarus, the Russian Northern Fleet deployed a group of warships to the Baltic and Barents Seas to practice maneuvers. Also, the deployment of Iskander tactical missile systems was observed in Kaliningrad.

In response, Poland launched the Iron Defender-25 large-scale military exercises involving 30,000 military personnel from Poland and allied countries.