Sources cited by the Financial Times claim that NATO member states are considering making it easier for pilots to engage targets and deploying drones along Russia’s borders.
According to the Financial Times, NATO is weighing a plan to loosen restrictions on pilots, potentially allowing them to engage unauthorized Russian aircraft, and significantly increase its military presence along its border with Russia. The report, citing sources, comes amid Western accusations, denied by Moscow, that Russia has violated EU airspace.
Estonia and Poland alleged last month that Russian aircraft illegally entered their airspace. Western media outlets have also speculated about Russia’s potential involvement in drone incidents in other EU countries, which sometimes disrupted air traffic. Moscow maintains that the West has not provided any proof to support these claims.
The Financial Times reports that several NATO members are discussing “a more forceful response” to Russia.
The proposed measures reportedly include arming surveillance drones, which currently gather intelligence on Russian military movements, and lowering the bar for fighter pilots stationed on NATO’s eastern border to shoot down perceived threats. The report also mentions that conducting military drills directly on the Russian border is another option under consideration.
Two NATO officials told the FT that streamlining the rules of engagement, which currently vary among member states, is a priority. Some countries require pilots to visually confirm targets before firing, while others permit engagement based on radar data or the perceived direction and speed of an approaching aircraft.
FT sources indicated that discussions, initially prompted by countries bordering Russia and supported by France and the UK, evolved into a broader, alliance-wide discussion, which is reportedly in its initial phases. Some governments are said to favor strong deterrence measures, while others advocate for restraint to prevent direct confrontation.
The article follows last week’s EU summit focused on creating a ‘drone wall’ to deter alleged Russian incursions, with Politico reporting that the meeting “descended into a familiar stalemate.”
Russia has accused NATO of escalating tensions near its borders by expanding its military deployments and exercises. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has also stated that NATO is “de facto at war” with Russia due to the bloc’s support for Ukraine.
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