Brussels, Sep 12 (EFE) – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced Friday a new mission to bolster the defense of NATO’s eastern flank in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace earlier this week.
“It’s reckless and unacceptable. We can’t have Russian drones entering allied airspace,” Rutte said, as he announced operation “Eastern Sentry.”
Rutte detailed that the operation will begin in a matter of days, involving a range of assets from allied countries, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others.
Denmark said it will contribute two F-16s and an anti-air warfare frigate, France will contribute three Rafales, and Germany will contribute four Eurofighters.
Rutte noted that although Wednesday’s was the largest and latest violation of NATO airspace, it “was not an isolated incident.” Adding that “Russia’s recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency.”
He stated that “Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture.”
NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich, was also present at the press conference.
He assured that “Eastern Sentry and this new approach will deliver even more focused and flexible deterrence and defence where and when needed.”
On Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, several Russian drones were detected in Polish airspace, which were shot down by Polish and NATO allied fighter jets deployed on the eastern flank. EFE
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