NATO has announced the launch of a new security initiative called “Eastern Sentry,” aimed at strengthening the Alliance’s eastern flank, particularly in response to repeated violations of airspace by Russian drones.

“We are seeing drones violating our airspace. Whether this was intentional or not, it is unacceptable,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. “Allies have expressed full solidarity with Poland. Preventing aggression and defending every member of the Alliance is crucial. Defending the eastern flank is our key task. That is why we are launching the ‘Eastern Sentry’ initiative, to strengthen our eastern defenses even more.”

According to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, “Eastern Sentry” will serve as the counterpart of the Baltic Sentry initiative, which has been active since January. “We are focusing mainly on Poland, although the initiative is not limited to one country. The system will be flexible and fast, concentrating deterrence exactly where it is needed,” the general emphasized. He explained that the program will integrate ground and air-based air defense systems and improve information-sharing mechanisms between member states. “Allies stand in solidarity with Poland. We have commitments from the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom regarding the deployment of their troops. NATO will defend every inch of its territory,” he added.

The launch of the program followed a series of incidents in which Russian drones violated Polish airspace overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Drone debris was found in 17 locations. “Russia violated NATO airspace, and therefore we must demonstrate our readiness to defend our borders. By shooting down drones, we show that we defend every piece of the Alliance. This was a very dangerous situation. The question is how far Russia is willing to go – but let me stress that NATO is a defensive alliance, not an offensive one,” said Rutte.

Asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reaction to the violation of Polish airspace, Rutte said Washington’s position was clear and supportive. “The U.S. commitment to NATO is unwavering, and we are satisfied with their response,” he added.

General Grynkewich confirmed that the program is already being implemented. “I issued the order today to activate ‘Eastern Sentry.’ It will take some time to connect all the components, but we are starting now. The anti-drone wall is aligned with our deterrence strategy. I have just returned from the Baltic States, where I discussed which sensors and equipment are needed,” he said. He also stressed that NATO’s actions were carefully thought out and not improvised.

On Thursday afternoon, Poland’s National Security Council also convened. “If anyone had doubts whether Poland is participating in a hybrid war, after September 10 those doubts should be gone – yes, Poland has been a participant in a hybrid war for four years,” said President Karol Nawrocki. An extraordinary session of the United Nations Security Council has also been convened for Friday at 9 p.m. Warsaw time. Poland will be represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki.