NATO Strengthens Eastern Flank Amid Russian Drone Incursions in Poland

Tue Oct 21 2025 00:16:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to a recent drone incursion by Russia, NATO member countries including Denmark, France, and Germany are deploying military support to Poland, reaffirming alliances in the face of escalating tensions.

Following a significant breach involving Russian drones entering Polish airspace, NATO nations are mobilizing troops and aircraft to reinforce defense positions in Eastern Europe. With Denmark contributing F-16 jets and Germany sending Eurofighters, the alliance is taking decisive action to bolster Poland's security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This move comes as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled, demonstrating the urgent need for collective defense strategies among NATO allies.

More NATO countries will move their troops and fighter jets eastwards in response to Wednesday's unprecedented Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace.

Denmark, France, and Germany have joined a new mission to bolster the military alliance's eastern flank. Other NATO allies are expected to take part later.

It came as the Kremlin said on Friday that peace talks with Kyiv were on pause, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating: You can't wear rose-tinted glasses and expect that the negotiation process will yield immediate results.

Political tensions have been high across Europe after Poland reported that 19 Russian drones had flown through its airspace on Wednesday. Some were shot down, while others crashed into fields and even a house in eastern Poland.

Russia's military asserted it had no plans to target facilities in Poland, but Polish and European leaders believe the incursion was deliberate.

According to the Danish defence ministry, Denmark will contribute two F-16 fighter jets to support Poland's air defense, alongside a warship.

Denmark fully supports Poland in this situation, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said. We must not be naive. Putin will stop at nothing, and he is testing us. Therefore, it is crucial... Denmark is contributing to this.

France will provide three Rafale fighter jets, and Germany is sending four Eurofighters. The UK has committed to assist in strengthening the Eastern Sentry, with further details to be released soon.

During an emergency UN Security Council session, European nations and the US reaffirmed their support for Poland amidst these alarming violations of airspace. Acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, emphasized that the US stands firmly with its NATO allies.

Poland's Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki, presenting images of the downed drones, declared: We know - and I repeat - we know that it was not a mistake.

The Netherlands and Czech Republic will send additional defenses, while Germany pledged to enhance air policing in Eastern Europe, indicating a robust NATO response to these recent acts of aggression.