NATO launches Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen defence on its Eastern Flank

NATO launches Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen defence on its Eastern Flank

NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry, announced by the NATO Secretary General and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), is strictly defensive and represents a firm and rapid response to incidents caused by Russian Federation drones breaching the allied space, such as the recent case in Poland, the situations in Romania - where drone debris were identified on national territory - and similar events in other allied states on the eastern flank.

The new operation is dedicated to defending the Allied territory, from the Far North to the Black Sea, and demonstrates NATO's cohesion and unity in the face of ever-more complex threats, as well as the Alliance's ability to react quickly and effectively.

Romania has consistently supported the need for an overall approach on the entire eastern flank, an objective reflected in the establishment of the eight battle groups and in the enhanced vigilance measures adopted at allied level. The security assessments and analyses presented by Romania, regarding the threats generated by the use of drones, have decisively contributed to strengthening the defence and deterrence measures on the eastern flank.

The Ministry of National Defence thanks the allies for their constant support and contribution to strengthening the defence and deterrence posture, thus reaffirming Romania's commitment to actively participate in the implementation of the new NATO operation.

"The announcement of the NATO Secretary General and SACEUR represents a new signal of allied solidarity and unity that we need in these complicated times for the security and stability of our country and of the entire Alliance," Defence Minister Ionuț Moșteanu stated.

"The main objective of NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry announced today is to defend our Alliance and increase the efficiency of NATO's response to the repeated violations of national airspace by drones originating from the Russian Federation. It is a situation that Romania is also currently facing. Allies must maintain the necessary solidarity, vigilance and reaction capacity in the face of challenges emerging in the immediate vicinity.

As for Romania, the measures taken at national level, including the legislative updates and the firm positioning of our country within the allied framework, have contributed to a better understanding of this threat and to the adoption of the most effective measures to strengthen the defence and deterrence posture," the Defence Minister added.

The Press Office