NATO North Atlantic Alliance launches a new operation called “Eastern Guard” (Eastern Guard).
Modern.az reports that this was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a joint press conference with General Alexis Grinkevich, Commander of the Joint Armed Forces in Europe.
The Secretary General said that the operation's goal is to strengthen security on NATO's eastern flank and respond to increasing airspace violations:
“Our goal is to protect all NATO allies from any threat. The defense of the eastern flank is our main priority. New capabilities and defense systems against drone attacks will be deployed.”
Denmark, Germany, France, Great Britain, and other member states will join the operation. Rutte emphasized that “the operation will commence in full scale in the coming days” and “will involve various forces and assets”.
“Eastern Guard” operation was launched after Russian drones were shot down in Polish airspace on September 10. Rutte stated that “there is no doubt” about the origin of the drones and that they have been identified as Russian-made. Currently, the purpose for which they were sent is being investigated.
Following the incident, NATO members decided to send additional forces to Poland and the region:
France – 3 “Rafale” fighter jets
Great Britain – “Eurofighter Typhoon” fighter jets
Czech Republic – 3 Mi-17 helicopters and approximately 100 servicemen
Sweden – Air Defense assets and aviation
Netherlands – “Patriot” anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-drone systems, and 300 servicemen
Germany – doubled the number of “Eurofighter” fighter jets on the Polish borders.
General Grinkevich noted that the operation will cover not only Poland but also Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
