NATO Strengthens Its Eastern Flank

The term "NATO's eastern flank" is used to describe the alliance's eastern flank members, which are adjacent to or near Russia and Belarus. The countries on NATO's eastern flank include Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. According to a 2016 analysis, the countries on NATO's eastern flank are estimated to have approximately 500,000 active military personnel. These military units are also bolstered by reinforcements from Western Europe, the United States, and Canada. Considering all this, NATO's eastern flank possesses considerable power.

On the night of September 9-10, 2025, 19-23 drones were detected in Polish airspace. These drones were Russian unmanned aerial vehicles that entered via the Belarusian or Ukrainian border. Following this incident, NATO decided to strengthen its defensive capacity on its eastern flank, bordering Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, to enhance deterrence against potential threats from Russia. US General Alexus Grynkewich, the alliance's top commander in Europe, announced in Brussels that the new operation would be called "Eastern Sentry." Grynkewich, stating that air and land defense elements from other NATO members France, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom will participate in the operation, said, “This is a completely new defense design. Thanks to additional resources, gaps in defense will be closed, forces can be concentrated wherever needed, and communications on NATO’s eastern flank will be strengthened.” Following the announcement made in Brussels, some NATO states have begun providing their support without delay. Following these remarks by US General Alexus Grynkewich, France announced that it will deploy three Rafale fighter jets to Poland, Denmark with F-16s, Germany with land defense systems, and the United Kingdom with a frigate. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, in a post on X, described the operation as “aimed at active deterrence and ensuring defensive readiness when necessary.” French President Emmanuel Macron, in a statement released on his X account, said, "The security of the European continent is our top priority. We will not bow to Russia's increasing threats." These statements reveal France's support for NATO's eastern flank and an active resistance to Russia's actions.

NATO warplanes recently intervened after numerous Russian drones violated Polish airspace. The incident raised the possibility that the war, which has been raging for over three years in Ukraine, could spread to other neighboring countries. Russia does not want to directly attack Poland because Poland is a NATO member. Instead, it engages in "gray zone" activities. Furthermore, if there is loss of life or property on Polish territory, or if these actions persist, NATO may be forced to respond. This could lead to the situation spreading to neighboring countries.

NEWS SOURCES:

https://tr.euronews.com/2025/09/13/nato-dogu-kanadini-guclendiriyor-yeni-operasyon-baslatildi