General Alexus Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe for NATO, has declared the recent operation involving F-35 fighter jets to intercept Russian drones that breached Polish airspace as "highly successful." This assertion comes at a critical juncture as the alliance grapples with heightened Russian aggression and launches a new deterrence initiative, "Eastern Sentry," aimed at reinforcing its eastern flank.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, September 10, 2025, saw multiple Russian drones penetrate Polish territory during a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine. This marked a significant escalation, representing the first direct military engagement between NATO and Russian military assets since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While stray incursions into NATO territory have occurred previously, this was described as the most extensive breach to date.

"I really think it was a pretty successful operation – the drone intercept that we executed with the Dutch F-35s and other enablers that went into that," General Grynkewich stated during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels. He acknowledged that such operations provide invaluable learning opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of Alliance forces in the future. "The scale of the violation… a few days ago was, obviously, larger than previous ones. So, bringing in additional enablers to that problem set will help us to achieve that," he added, emphasizing that the focus must remain on protecting citizens rather than the cost of weaponry.

Key Context

Background and history: The drone incursion occurred during a major Russian aerial attack on Ukraine, with multiple drones violating Polish airspace on September 10, 2025. This incident is the most significant breach of NATO airspace to date, following previous, smaller incursions into allied territory.
Related developments: In response to escalating Russian aggression and to bolster defenses, NATO announced the launch of "Eastern Sentry," a new mission to strengthen its eastern flank.
Important connections: This event highlights the increasing threat of drone warfare and the need for NATO to adapt its defense strategies, while also underscoring the strategic importance of the F-35 program in collective defense operations.

The successful interception, despite criticisms regarding cost-effectiveness, bolsters NATO's resolve to defend its members. However, it also raises questions about the evolving nature of warfare, the capabilities of current air defense systems against sophisticated drone swarms, and the potential for miscalculation. For Poland and other eastern flank nations, the incident amplifies security concerns and underscores the urgency of collective defense measures. The broader geopolitical landscape is impacted as NATO seeks to deter further Russian provocations without direct escalation.

Timeline

What happened: Early hours of Wednesday, September 10, 2025: Russian drones violated Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine. Polish and Dutch F-35s, supported by other NATO assets, were scrambled to intercept.
What's happening now: NATO General Alexus Grynkewich declared the interception operation successful. NATO announced the launch of "Eastern Sentry" to enhance eastern flank defenses. Fragments of drones were found across 17 locations in Poland. Russia denies involvement.
What's next: Implementation of the "Eastern Sentry" mission. Continued monitoring of Russian military activities. Potential further discussions and strategy adjustments within NATO regarding drone defense and cost-effectiveness.

Different Perspectives

NATO Officials: General Grynkewich emphasizes the operational success and the learning opportunity for future defense improvements. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned Russia's actions as "reckless and unacceptable."
Poland: President Tusk described the attack as a deliberate provocation, not a mistake.
Russia: Denies targeting Poland and involvement in the airspace violation.
Experts: Some experts question the cost-effectiveness of using high-value assets like F-35s against drones, while others suggest the drones might have been decoys to test NATO's response.
United States: President Trump's comment that it "could have been a mistake" was rejected by Polish leaders, highlighting potential allied divergence.

What You Need to Know

NATO F-35s intercepted Russian drones that violated Polish airspace on September 10, 2025.
General Grynkewich called the operation "highly successful" and a learning experience.
NATO has launched "Eastern Sentry" to bolster defenses on its eastern flank.
Fragments of Russian drones were found across multiple locations in Poland, indicating a significant incursion.
The incident highlights evolving warfare tactics and NATO's response capabilities.

For Poland and its eastern NATO neighbors, this incident is a stark reminder of the proximity of the conflict in Ukraine and the direct threat posed by Russian military actions. The deployment of F-35s and the subsequent "Eastern Sentry" operation signal a heightened state of alert and a commitment to bolstering defenses along the Alliance's most vulnerable frontier. The discovery of drone fragments across numerous Polish localities underscores the tangible impact and the pervasive nature of the threat, intensifying public and governmental concerns about national security.

Why This Matters

Escalation Dynamics: It represents a direct confrontation, albeit defensive, between NATO and Russian military assets, raising concerns about potential escalation.
Technological Warfare: It showcases the increasing role of drones in modern conflict and the challenges they pose to existing air defense systems.
Alliance Cohesion: The incident tests NATO's unity and its commitment to collective defense, with differing interpretations of events potentially impacting allied solidarity.
Deterrence Posture: NATO's response, including the "Eastern Sentry" mission, aims to reassert its deterrence capabilities against perceived Russian adventurism.

What to Watch

Eastern Sentry Implementation: The speed and effectiveness with which NATO allies contribute to and operationalize the "Eastern Sentry" mission.
Russian Activity: Continued monitoring of Russian military exercises and air activity near NATO borders.
Defense Spending & Strategy: Discussions within NATO regarding defense budgets, air defense modernization, and strategies to counter drone threats cost-effectively.
Diplomatic Fallout: Any further statements or actions from Russia, Ukraine, NATO members, and international bodies like the UN Security Council.

General Grynkewich's assessment of the F-35 operation as "highly successful" underscores NATO's capability to respond to aerial incursions with advanced assets. However, the underlying debate about the cost-effectiveness of intercepting low-cost drones with expensive fighter jets and missiles remains a critical challenge. This incident is not merely about a single breach but signifies a broader shift in the security landscape, where the eastern flank of NATO is increasingly exposed to hybrid threats. The launch of "Eastern Sentry" is a proactive measure, but its long-term success will depend on sustained political will, resource allocation, and the ability of the Alliance to adapt its technological and tactical approaches to the evolving nature of aerial warfare. The differing reactions, particularly from the US, also highlight the delicate balance of maintaining unified deterrence while accommodating diverse national perspectives.