CaliToday (15/9/2025): Polish President Andrzej Duda has officially approved the stationing of NATO forces on Polish territory as part of the newly formed "Operation Eastern Sentinel," the country's National Security Bureau announced today. The decision is a direct response to a violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones earlier this week.
The move solidifies Poland's defensive posture and reinforces NATO's commitment to collective security on its eastern flank. The deployment was fast-tracked after Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected and tracked crossing into Poland's airspace on September 10th, an act Warsaw has condemned as a "provocative and unacceptable breach of sovereignty."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had formally announced the activation of "Operation Eastern Sentinel" on September 12th, describing it as a "robust, defensive, and multinational effort to safeguard Allied airspace and territory." Speaking from NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rutte stated, "An attack on one is an attack on all. This operation is a clear and unified message that NATO stands resolute in its commitment to defend every inch of its territory. We will not tolerate aggression or intimidation."
"Operation Eastern Sentinel" will involve a multinational contingent of forces from the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and France. While the exact composition and size of the initial deployment have not been fully disclosed, it is expected to include advanced air defense units, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, and ground troops prepared for rapid response.
In a statement released by the Presidential Palace, President Duda remarked, "In the face of unprovoked aggression and a clear disregard for international law, Poland has acted decisively in concert with our allies. The approval for the deployment of NATO troops under Operation Eastern Sentinel is a critical step to enhance the security of our nation and the entire region. We are stronger and safer together."
The incident on September 10th has escalated already heightened tensions between Russia and the transatlantic alliance. Polish officials reported that its air defense systems monitored the drones before they exited its airspace, but the incursion prompted an immediate high-level consultation with NATO partners, culminating in the swift activation of the new operation. The operation is designed not only to counter immediate aerial threats but also to serve as a significant deterrent against future provocations.
