BRUSSELS, September 12, 2025 (Chatnewstv.com) — NATO on Friday announced the launch of a new military activity, “Eastern Sentry,” aimed at bolstering its posture along the eastern flank following Russian drone violations of Polish airspace earlier this week.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking at a joint press conference with Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich, said the initiative would bring both traditional capabilities and new technologies to the region.
“Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture,” Rutte said. He thanked Grynkewich for his leadership in responding to the incursions on September 10 and in shaping the new activity. He also credited Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, for advancing innovative solutions to emerging challenges, particularly the use of drones.
The announcement came two days after the North Atlantic Council held consultations under Article 4 at Poland’s request. Rutte said the scale of the drone violations was unprecedented.
“What happened on Wednesday was not an isolated incident,” he said.
“Russia’s recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency.”
The secretary general stressed NATO’s readiness to defend every member state, pointing to existing forward land forces deployed in eight countries and collective contributions from all Allies.
“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.
Rutte added that Allies across Europe and North America continue to work together daily to reinforce air defenses and protect undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
Details of the “Eastern Sentry” activity are expected to be released in the coming days by NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
