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NATO launches “Eastern Sentry”

Posted by Europe correspondent on

Brussels 12.09.2025 Today NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich held a joint press conference to outline NATO’s response to the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones two days earlier. Mr. Rutte announced the launch of “Eastern Sentry,” a military activity aimed to bolster NATO’s posture along the eastern flank.

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Commencing in the coming days, Eastern Sentry will involve a range of Allied assets and feature both traditional capabilities and novel technologies, including elements designed to address challenges associated with drones.
“Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture,” said the Secretary General. He thanked General Grynkewich for his responsive leadership both in the context of the incursions on 10 September and in guiding the design of this new activity, as well as Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, for his role in promoting innovative solutions to new challenges, including those posed by the use of drones.

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At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, Allies discussed the situation in light of Poland’s request for Article 4 consultations. Mr. Rutte noted that while this was the largest concentration of violations of NATO airspace, “what happened on Wednesday was not an isolated incident. Russia’s recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency.”

The Secretary General highlighted that NATO’s core task to deter aggression and defend every Ally underlines the importance of safeguarding the eastern flank. “This is why we have forward land forces deployed in eight countries, with contributions from every Ally supporting these contingents, and plans in place to scale up our presence if and when required,” he said. He added that Allies across Europe and North America work together every day on strengthening air defences and protecting critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

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“In the early hours of Wednesday, September 10th, numerous Russian drones violated Polish airspace. NATO’s air defences were activated, and successfully ensured the defence of NATO territory” Mark Rutte said.

“While this was the largest concentration of violations of NATO airspace that we have seen, what happened on Wednesday was not an isolated incident.
Russia’s recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency. We have seen drones violate our airspace in Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Whether intentional or not, it is dangerous.
And unacceptable.

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“At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday morning, Allies discussed the situation in light of Poland’s request for Article 4 consultations. Allies expressed full solidarity with Poland and denounced Russia’s reckless behaviour.

“NATO’s core task is to deter aggression and defend every member of this Alliance against whatever threats we face. Safeguarding our eastern flank is of utmost importance.

“This is why we have forward land forces deployed in eight countries.
With contributions from every Ally supporting these contingents.
And plans in place to scale up our presence if and when required.

“We have air defences – ground, sea, and air-based systems. Here, too, with contributions from Allies across Europe and North America working together every day.
To ensure that we are prepared and ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.

“We stood up Baltic Sentry at the beginning of this year, to help safeguard critical infrastructure from reckless behaviour in the Baltic Sea.

“And today, General Grynkewich and I are here to announce that NATO is launching “Eastern Sentry” – to bolster our posture even further along our eastern flank.

“This military activity will commence in the coming days and will involve a range of assets from Allies including Denmark, France, United Kingdom, Germany, and others.

“In addition to more traditional military capabilities, this effort will also feature elements designed to address the particular challenges associated with the use of drones.

“Eastern Sentry” will add flexibility and strength to our posture. And make clear that, as a defensive Alliance, we are always ready to defend.
I am confident in the strength and ability of this Alliance – not least because of the excellent leadership of our top brass” Mark Rutte concluded.

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