Die NATO steigert die Luftverteidigung nach dem Russlands Drohneneinfall – aber die Bedrohung bleibt unklar

Nato is launching a new operation to protect eastern Europe after [Russian drones entered Polish airspace](https://inews.co.uk/news/russian-drones-shot-down-poland-europe-open-conflict-3909352?srsltid=AfmBOor7uRap3MPXqSGiZoak5EVLDl8gmIEciRrz_DY3QutdQPhel983&ico=in-line_link) this week.

Up to 24 drones were detected in the incursion overnight on Tuesday, some armed with explosives, while othere were decoys, Western officials believe.

Nato jets were scrambled to shoot down the drones – thought to be the [first shots by the alliance since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine](https://inews.co.uk/opinion/russia-drone-attack-poland-donald-trump-tusk-3910946?srsltid=AfmBOorpMCNa7oqMkUxbmLbs0nq0a6kS2AVvWtNkfm0XEMnS-DfsENuP&ico=in-line_link) in February 2022.

An [emergency meeting was triggered between members](https://inews.co.uk/news/ive-been-in-nato-article-4-meeting-what-really-like-3910608?srsltid=AfmBOooQ9QxcoGKst5lb9lhEGWLgv6cswp3VsEgoSv-Xjfv7WBjessET&ico=in-line_link) at the alliance’s Brussels headquarters for only the eighth time in its history, as Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said it was the closest his country had come to direct conflict since the Second World War.

On Friday, Nato general secretary Mark Rutte announced the launch of operation [Eastern Sentry](https://shape.nato.int/news-releases/eastern-sentry-to-enhance-natos-presence-along-its-eastern-flank) in the coming days.

The operation, which will last an “undisclosed amount of time”, is intended to strengthen air defences on the alliance’s eastern flank.

The UK’s contribution is not yet clear, but it has “expressed its willingness to support”, Nato said.

“The violation of Poland’s airspace earlier this week is not an isolated incident and impacts more than just Poland,” said General Alexus G. Grynkewich, supreme allied commander Europe.

“While a full assessment of the incident is ongoing, Nato is not waiting, we are acting.”