NATO Launches ‘Eastern Sentry’ Mission After Russian Drone Incursions Into Poland

Brussels, Sept. 13 – NATO on Friday announced a major new operation to reinforce the alliance’s eastern flank, just two days after Poland shot down Russian drones that violated its airspace — the first known direct defensive action by a NATO member since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Polish authorities described the drone incursions as a deliberate test of NATO’s resolve and response capabilities. Warsaw publicly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the drones may have entered Polish airspace by mistake. “We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn’t. And we know it,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in a post on X. Poland has urged Washington to demonstrate solidarity with concrete action.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the incursion, calling it “reckless and unacceptable.” Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, he announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry, which will integrate air and ground assets across multiple NATO bases.

“Allies, including Denmark, France, Britain, and Germany, have already committed forces, with others expected to join,” Rutte said, adding that NATO was still analyzing Russia’s intent.

NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, said the alliance would defend “every inch” of NATO territory. “Poland and citizens across the alliance should be assured by our rapid response earlier this week and today’s significant announcement,” he said.

Details of the Deployment
Under Eastern Sentry, Denmark will contribute two F-16 fighter jets and a frigate, France will deploy three Rafale fighter jets, and Germany will send four Eurofighter jets. Britain has pledged to participate and will announce its contribution soon. NATO did not disclose the number of additional troops being deployed but confirmed that the mission is designed as a flexible, scalable operation covering the entire eastern flank — from the Baltics to Romania and Bulgaria.

Meanwhile, Germany extended its air policing mission over Poland and summoned the Russian ambassador, while France also summoned the Russian envoy in Paris over the drone incident.

Growing Transatlantic Tensions
Poland’s direct contradiction of President Trump is seen as a rare rebuke from one of Washington’s closest European allies, underscoring Europe’s concern about the U.S. administration’s willingness to entertain Moscow’s narrative.

Trump, in a Fox News interview on Friday, said his patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin was “running out fast,” but he stopped short of announcing new sanctions. His administration has not coordinated joint sanctions with Europe since he returned to office — a departure from past practice.

European leaders say the incident proves Moscow is not seeking a peace deal, even after Trump’s recent meeting with Putin in Alaska, where he dropped the demand for an immediate ceasefire.

Separately, the U.N. Security Council was set to convene at Poland’s request to discuss the incursion.

Russia’s Response
The Kremlin acknowledged that Russian forces were striking Ukraine at the time but insisted there was no intent to hit Poland. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused European nations of “emotional overload” and dismissed fears that Russia poses a threat. Moscow and its ally Belarus launched joint military exercises on Friday across both countries and in the Baltic and Barents seas.

The incident has renewed questions about NATO’s preparedness to respond to mass drone attacks — a hallmark of the ongoing war in Ukraine — and whether the alliance can deter future provocations along its borders.