The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced the launch of the “Eastern Sentry” initiative in response to increasing Russian aerial violations of member nations’ airspace, including Poland.
NATO Response to Russian Provocations
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned Russian aggression, calling the most recent incursions the largest violation of NATO airspace in history, emphasizing that these breaches have become increasingly frequent. He underscored that member nations Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have all experienced such violations and that they have received unanimous solidarity from NATO allies.
NATO’s Eastern Sentry Initiative
“Today we announce that NATO is launching the Eastern Sentry initiative to further bolster our response on NATO’s eastern flank,” Rutte said. The new initiative is set to commence in the coming days and will involve the National Guard, Danish, French, British forces and others, with a focus on integrated air defense systems and air-ground cooperation.
Integrated Air Defence System
NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, highlighted the importance of an integrated air and ground defense system in addressing the airspace violations. “The Eastern Sentry program will focus on Poland, but its impact will be felt across the entire alliance,” stated Grynkewich. “It will be an elastic program providing concentrated deterrence and defense where it is needed.”
