Europe has reinforced in recent months its mechanisms of surveillance and air defense in response to the increase of incursions by drones and other actions attributed to Russia. This improvement includes surveillance through radars, aircraft, and ground systems, while member countries contribute additional capabilities based on the needs of each area.
Furthermore, NATO has deployed Eastern Sentry, an operation created to reinforce its eastern flank with fighters, surveillance aircraft, air defense systems, and other military means. It was launched in September 2025 after the incursions of Russian drones into Polish airspace. NATO points out that since then the operation has incorporated more combat aircraft, surveillance aircraft, transport and refueling planes, air defense systems, helicopters, and frigates.
NATO emphasizes that its Air Policing aircraft allow for the detection of unusual activities and response to potentially hostile aircraft. Among the capabilities used for this surveillance are AWACS planes. NATO notes that these aircraft have conducted hundreds of flights over the eastern flank and can detect missiles, track Russian aircraft, and observe movements of large drones and other military means.
Spain maintains seven F-18s in Romania on permanent alert
Spain also maintains a specific deployment on the eastern flank. The Ministry of Defense reported on September 16 that the Tactical Air Detachment "Paznic", deployed in Romania, currently has almost 200 military personnel, seven F-18 fighters from Wing 12, and an A400M from Wing 31 for in-flight refueling.
Defense states that these aircraft provide a 24-hour air defense alert service. The Spanish contingent participates in the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission and, according to the Ministry, its military recently shot down a Russian drone an hour and a quarter after the unit was activated.
Spain also maintains in Romania a second detachment with a surveillance radar and another contingent of Marines integrated into a multinational group led by France.
France increases surveillance against Russian hybrid threats
France has also adopted specific measures. The Élysée reported on September 18 that the Government had strengthened its vigilance stance in light of the intensification of Russian hybrid threats, with particular attention to the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive sites against possible drone attacks and cyber actions.
After a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council, the French Government also ordered the preparation of a plan to protect critical infrastructure and the most sensitive centers of its defense industrial and technological base against drone attacks and cyberattacks.
The measure adds to France's participation in NATO structures. France is one of the countries that contributes resources to reinforce the eastern flank, and its air forces participate in the Alliance's Air Policing missions.
Lithuania buys radars and systems to intercept drones
Lithuania has taken measures specifically aimed at drones. Its Ministry of Defense announced on September 2 the acquisition of short-range radars and passive radars, as well as test batches of systems capable of intercepting drones.
The declared objective of the Lithuanian Government is to integrate different means of airspace surveillance, target detection, and threat neutralization. The Ministry explained that it is testing systems that have already been used in Ukraine and is studying solutions from different manufacturers due to the rapid evolution of anti-drone technology.
The measures come after several incidents in the airspace of the Baltic countries. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that on the night of September 14 to 15, a drone entered the country's airspace and was neutralized by Italian Eurofighters participating in NATO's air defense mission from Zokniai. Lithuanian authorities subsequently located the remains of the device and neutralized the explosive device it was carrying.
The EU is also preparing a common response
The concern is not limited to NATO's military structure. The European Commission has raised a specific response to the increase in hybrid threats. Ursula von der Leyen announced on September 16 a new European security strategy and a "counter-hybrid playbook" to coordinate the response of member states to incidents that may fall below the threshold of an armed attack but affect national security.
The Commission cited among these threats cyberattacks, sabotage, arson, and drone incursions. It also announced a European emergency protocol aimed at coordinating the response to such incidents.
The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, had warned days earlier before the European Parliament of the increase in hybrid attacks against Europe and cited among the recent episodes the downing of a drone over Lithuania by NATO aircraft.
Poland demands more resources for Eastern Sentry
Poland is also demanding a reinforcement of NATO's operation. The Polish Defense Minister announced on September 22 that Warsaw was negotiating with other allies new missions to increase the resources of Eastern Sentry and develop air defense and anti-drone capabilities.
The Polish government indicated that Slovakia will provide radar systems and that increasing the presence of allied forces is being considered. The Defense Minister linked these measures to the need to protect infrastructure and to the evolution of threats coming from Russia.
The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, had already conveyed on September 17 to Parliament that, according to intelligence assessments, there was a possibility of hybrid attacks with drones and missiles against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland.