Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of Operation East Sentinel, a military operation aimed at strengthening NATO's posture along its eastern flank. The announcement came during a joint press conference over the weekend with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, and provided an opportunity to clarify NATO's response to the Russian drone violation of Polish airspace two days earlier. Mr. Rutte announced that Operation East Sentinel will begin in the coming days and will include a range of Allied assets, featuring both conventional capabilities and modern technologies, including elements designed to counter the challenges associated with drones. The Secretary General said: "Operation East Sentinel will add flexibility and strength to our posture." He thanked General Grynkewich for his responsive leadership, both in the context of the September 10 incursions and in directing the design of this new activity. He also thanked Admiral Pierre Vandier, the Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, for his role in promoting innovative solutions to new challenges, including those posed by the use of drones. According to a statement from the NATO representative in Brussels, the Allies discussed the situation at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday (September 10, 2025), in light of Poland's request for consultations under Article 4. Mr. Rutte noted that while this was the largest concentration of violations of NATO airspace, "what happened on Wednesday was not an isolated incident. Russia's reckless behavior in the air along our eastern flank is increasing at an increasing rate."
The Secretary General emphasized that NATO's core mission, to deter aggression and defend every Allie, underscores the importance of protecting the eastern flank. That's why we have forward land forces deployed across eight countries, with contributions from all allied nations supporting these units, and plans in place to expand our presence when needed, he said. He added that allies across Europe and North America are working together daily to bolster air defenses and protect critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.