NATO leaders on 12/9 announced "Operation Eastern Protector," deploying military assets to enhance Poland's air defense capabilities.
The deployed forces include two F-16 fighter jets and an air defense frigate from Denmark, three Rafale fighter jets from France, and four Typhoon jets from Germany. These are in addition to Italian and Dutch F-35A stealth fighters already stationed in Estonia and Poland.
"These additional units will reinforce existing forces, enhancing NATO's deterrence and defense posture at all times," the alliance stated.
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Danish F-16 fighter jets participate in a NATO exercise in 11/2024. Photo: USAF |
Danish F-16 fighter jets participate in a NATO exercise in 11/2024. Photo: USAF
"Beyond traditional military capabilities, the operation will incorporate elements designed to address the specific challenge posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, without elaborating.
NATO leaders said British officials expressed willingness to support the operation, but the nature of their contribution remains unclear. A British official suggested the UK could deploy six Typhoon fighter jets to NATO's eastern flank.
The operation follows NATO discussions prompted by Poland's request for consultation regarding the incursion of 19 UAVs into its airspace on 10/9. Polish air defense forces and NATO units responded, shooting down at least four drones, while the others crashed after running out of fuel.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki believes this was a Russian maneuver to test NATO's response mechanisms and capabilities.
Most of the UAVs crashed in the eastern province of Lubelskie, but two traveled over 300 km from the border. A house and a car were destroyed, but no casualties were reported. Images from the scene suggest the drones resemble Russian-made Gerbera decoy UAVs, with no indication they carried warheads.
The Russian Ministry of Defense asserted it "had no intention of targeting Poland" and expressed willingness to consult with Warsaw on the matter.
Nguyen Tien (AFP, AP, War Zone)
