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By Brendan Cole
Senior Reporter
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NATO has scrambled its first jet to defend its airspace under Eastern Sentry, the mission to secure airspace on its eastern flank that was launched in response to Russia's violations of Polish airspace.
The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) said Monday that a French Rafale fighter jet and a Polish helicopter had been deployed on Saturday to counter a potential threat posed by Russian drones.
Newsweek has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment.
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Why It Matters
Eastern Sentry marks a shift in NATO's posture along its eastern flank, sparked by the largest Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace to date.
With Denmark, France, Germany, and the U.K. contributing fighter jets and naval vessels and Finland and Latvia now backing the program, there is a multi-national solidarity in countering what several NATO countries see as the Russian threat.
What To Know
Russia has been accused of testing NATO by breaching its airspace during its drone bombardments of Ukraine.
Poland said that it shot down drones on September 10 and invoked the alliance's Article 4 for urgent discussions with alliance members about the threat.
Romania also reported that it had scrambled fighter jets on September 13 in response to a Russian drone entering its territory.
NATO has responded to Moscow's drone threats with Eastern Sentry which is aimed at enhancing its defense posture on the eastern flank of the alliance.
On Monday, NATO said it had scrambled its first jet to defend its airspace under the program, —a French Rafale fighter jet, one of three to recently arrive in Poland.
A Polish helicopter also responded, but the alert was over quickly, U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied commander Europe said.
Four German Eurofighters, three helicopters from the Czech Republic and fighter jets and an anti-air warfare frigate from Denmark are also part of the operation which will also get the backing of Spain, the U.K., Italy and Sweden.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied commander Europe: "The response was fast, and the alert was over quickly. The limited use of assets was correct and calibrated to the potential threat perceived, which speaks to the utility of Eastern Sentry."
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte: "Eastern Sentry will make clear that NATO is always ready to defend."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer on U.K. Typhoon fighters patrolling Polish skies: "Russia's reckless behavior is a direct threat to European security and a violation of international law. These aircraft are not just a show of force—they are vital for deterring aggression."
What Happens Next
After NATO's accusations about Russian drones entering its airspace, there will be anticipation over whether Moscow will continue to test the alliance's borders following the start of Eastern Sentry and if the program will complicate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
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