NATO to boost drone defences and expand support for Ukraine
NATO will introduce new measures to “strengthen, expand and accelerate” the protection of allied airspace against drones, secretary general Mark Rutte announced following a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels. The alliance is testing systems to detect and neutralise drones as part of Operation Eastern Sentry, aimed at reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank.
“At this moment, within the context of Eastern Sentry, we are testing integrated systems that will help us detect, track and neutralise aerial threats,” Rutte said.
Earlier this month, nine NATO members, together with Ukraine, assisted Denmark in responding to drone threats. “This is a powerful example of fast and effective cooperation,” Rutte said. “We will build on this model in addressing hybrid threats, including drones.”
"We will not respond with retaliation, but we will take all necessary measures to defend and protect our people"
While reiterating NATO’s defensive posture, Rutte stressed that the alliance “is prepared to do whatever is necessary” to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“We will not respond with retaliation, but we will take all necessary measures to defend and protect our people,” he said. He added that NATO forces will not engage aircraft that pose no genuine threat but “have full authority to neutralise any aircraft that does.”
Rutte also announced that more than half of NATO’s 32 member states plan to help finance US weapons supplies to Ukraine, covering “critical items such as air-defence systems and interceptors”.
The initiative, known as PURL, enables European allies and Canada to purchase American-made equipment for Ukraine. The mechanism was introduced after US president Donald Trump called on NATO members to contribute more directly to Washington’s military aid.
Initially, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway pledged 2 billion euros under the scheme. New contributors now include Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Belgium. It remains to be seen whether major economies such as France, Italy and Spain will also join the effort.
© PHOTO NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
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