Europe steps up to bolster new NATO initiative to protect eastern flank

ISTANBUL

Several European countries have begun stepping up efforts to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank under its new Operation Eastern Sentry, following suspected Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania.

The operation is expected to integrate air and land defenses to address a wide range of threats, involving assets from at least eight allies, with others also preparing to announce their participation.

The UK was among the first to voice its commitment to NATO’s operation.

"The UK is fully committed to playing our part in NATO’s Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia,” Britain’s Defense Ministry announced last week.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer then confirmed Monday that they will deploy Royal Air Force jets to Poland.

Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire will join Eastern Sentry while a Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton will support the deployment.

France has also agreed to send three Rafale fighter jets to Poland, with one arriving over the weekend, according to a Monday statement by NATO.

"Following the Russian drone incursions into Poland, I have decided to deploy three Rafale fighter jets to contribute to the protection of Polish airspace and of NATO’s Eastern Flank together with our Allies," President Emmanuel Macron announced on US social media company X.

Italy is also planning to participate in the mission, with a contribution of two Eurofighter jets, news agency ANSA reported.

Spain, Sweden, and Netherlands pitch in

Poland's armed forces also confirmed over the weekend that Czech Mi-171S helicopters and troops arrived in Poland to reinforce defenses against Russian drones.

The deployment includes three helicopters and up to 150 soldiers for a three-month mission, according to TVP World report.

On Monday, NATO also confirmed that Germany has readied four Eurofighters while Denmark will contribute fighter jets and an anti-air warfare frigate.

Spain and Sweden have also signaled that they will contribute, NATO said.

For its part, the Netherlands has already been supplying F-35 aircraft since Sept. 1 to help protect the NATO treaty area, helping Poland protect its airspace during the recent suspected incursions.

Dutch F-35s are expected to be stationed in the country for the next four months.

Romania's Defense Ministry said Saturday that a Russian drone entered its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, the latest in a series of cross-border incidents along NATO’s eastern flank.

Last week, Poland also said that at least 19 drones crossed into Polish airspace when Russia was attacking Ukraine. Russia, however, said the incursion was not deliberate.

On the alleged incursion in Romania, Russia said it was a "provocation" by Ukraine, calling the claim "unfounded."