Media: NATO prepares defensive response after drone incursion in Poland

NATO is preparing a defensive military response to a drone incursion in Poland, aimed at strengthening deterrence across the alliance’s eastern flank, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

The response will also include political measures. An initial political reaction was delivered on September 10, with Secretary General Mark Rutte and other allied leaders condemning Russia’s “reckless behaviour,” the person said, requesting anonymity to discuss private matters.

Militarily, any action will be coordinated by Supreme Allied Commander Europe Alexus Grynkewich, who oversees the planning and execution of all NATO operations, the person added.

His command is currently assessing the situation and determining what supplies, if any, may be needed. NATO officials emphasised that as a defensive alliance, any measures would focus on strengthening deterrence.

Poland on September 11 formally requested additional air defense systems and counter-drone technology from its allies to better protect against Russian incursions. NATO forces shot down drones that crossed into Polish airspace early on September 10 during Russia’s latest massive airstrike on Ukraine.

Although the number of drones violating NATO airspace was unprecedented and prompted NATO aircraft to engage targets in alliance airspace for the first time since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, intent behind the incursions remains unclear, the source said.

“Whether it was intentionally or not, it is absolutely reckless. It is absolutely dangerous. A full assessment of the incident is ongoing,” Rutte told reporters on September 10.

In past airspace violations on NATO’s eastern flank, it took weeks before final reports were issued, highlighting the complexity of determining intent and planning appropriate responses.

By Sabina Mammadli