NATO has begun preparing defensive military steps after a wave of drones violated Polish airspace this week, according to a Bloomberg report published Thursday, Sept. 11. The move follows public condemnations by Secretary General Mark Rutte and allied leaders, who blamed Russia for the incursion.
A person familiar with internal discussion told Bloomberg that they are taking two steps: they have already sent a political message and are now making military plans to strengthen deterrence along NATO’s eastern flank. NATO made it clear that any action would be defensive and meant to enhance its position.
Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is in charge of the military part of the response. His command is looking at what extra resources may be needed on the border with Russia and Belarus, according to the outlet. On July 4, Grynkewich took over as SACEUR.
On Wednesday, September 10, Polish military shot down several unmanned aerial vehicles that had entered into Poland. According to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, 19 drones entered Polish airspace on the night of September 9–10, and some were shot down.
Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister, informed parliament that this was “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two.” He also said that he had “no reason to believe we’re on the brink of war.” Poland’s Operational Command said there were repeated intrusions, and officials called the incident a “act of aggression.” Later, Tusk wrote that “the drones that posed a direct threat were shot down” and thanked “our NATO pilots” for helping out in Poland.
Poland used Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty to get allies to talk about risks to a member’s security and territorial integrity. In a statement, Rutte said that the North Atlantic Council met, showed support for Poland, and called Russia’s actions “reckless.”
The developing defensive package is intended to bolster coverage and counter-drone capabilities along the alliance’s eastern flank, an area that has absorbed repeated spillover risks from Russia’s war in Ukraine. Poland has also requested its partners for more air defense systems and technologies to fight drones.
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