Poland’s General Staff announced the actual beginning of NATO’s “Eastern Sentry” mission to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank following incidents involving Russian drones falling on Polish territory, RMF FM reported on 13 September.

The Polish General Staff released special footage showing a French A400 transport aircraft landing in Minsk Mazowiecki. The aircraft delivered armaments for Rafale fighters, which appear to already be stationed in Poland.

The announcement follows statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grinkevicz about reinforcing the eastern flank through the launch of the “Eastern Sentry” mission.

Military officials highlighted that the key element involves an entirely new defensive structure. Rutte announced that allied forces would be deployed for this purpose, including Denmark, France, Britain, Germany and other nations.

“We know that Ukraine’s heroic defense is connected to Europe’s future. That is why we are strengthening our defense capabilities. In unity there is strength, and in readiness – victory,” Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz following the NATO chief’s conference said.

Previously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said NATO has the capability for an effective response to Russian drone attacks in a form that would not mean the Alliance’s participation in the war.