NATO Reinforces Defenses Against Low-Cost Drones
“We will strengthen cheaper counter-drone defenses so we are not using high-end jets against low-cost threats,” Rutte said at a joint news conference with Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius at NATO headquarters.
Rutte said a series of drone incidents along NATO’s eastern flank demonstrated the changing nature of the threat. He added that the alliance was upgrading its integrated air and missile defense network through a “multilayered, 360-degree approach” while also adjusting its drone response through programs such as Drone Edge.
He pointed to an incident two weeks earlier when Italian fighter jets operating under NATO from Lithuania’s Siauliai Air Base intercepted and destroyed a drone that had entered Lithuanian airspace, describing the operation as “collective defense in action.”
Sinkevicius said the discussions focused heavily on air defense and military preparedness along NATO’s eastern flank. He also confirmed that Lithuania remained scheduled to host a permanently stationed German brigade by the end of 2027.
The two leaders also reiterated their backing for Ukraine. Rutte said Russia’s hostile actions were aimed at testing NATO’s determination, while stressing that the alliance would “do even more for Ukraine, and not less.”
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