NATO's old air defense is obsolete

NATO is abandoning its Cold War-era air policing model, which relied on fighter jets scrambling to intercept hostile aircraft. The shift comes as Russian drones increasingly violate NATO airspace.

Meet the 360-degree defense

NATO's new strategy layers fighter jets, ground-based air defense systems, counter-drone equipment, and next-generation sensors to protect against crewed aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles from all directions.

Eastern Sentry sparked the shift

After nearly 24 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace in 2024, NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry and surged air defense assets to its eastern borders. This operation laid the groundwork for the new framework.

Drone incursions are accelerating

NATO has seen a sharp spike in unauthorized drone crossings this year, with violations over the Baltic states, Finland, and Romania. Allied fighter jets have repeatedly scrambled, including shooting down a drone over Lithuania this week.

Russia's recklessness is escalating

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says Russia is growing increasingly reckless, with more drones and missiles crossing NATO airspace along its eastern flank, plus sabotage and hybrid attacks on allied territory.

“Russia has grown increasingly reckless. As they continue their terrible war against Ukraine, we have seen more drones and missiles crossing into our airspace.”

Some want NATO to hit back harder

Western officials and conflict analysts are pushing for a more aggressive response, suggesting NATO should reassess its policy of only intercepting Russian targets after they cross Ukraine's borders.