NATO allies are discussing stricter deterrence measures against Russia, including arming surveillance drones and loosening rules that govern when pilots can fire on hostile aircraft, following a rise in drone incursions and airspace violations across Europe, according to The Financial Times. The talks, initiated by frontline states bordering Russia and supported by France and the United Kingdom, remain preliminary and reflect divisions inside the alliance over how far to go without risking direct confrontation with a nuclear-armed Russia.
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Proposals on the table include allowing crews to engage hostile aircraft under broader criteria, arming surveillance platforms that patrol the alliance’s eastern flank and running additional NATO drills close to Russia’s border to reinforce deterrence.
Russian drone incursions
Allied officials told The Financial Times that the discussions aim to raise the costs of Russia’s “hybrid warfare” — a mix of cyberattacks, drone activity and sabotage campaigns targeting Europe. Recent incidents include Russian drones in Polish and Romanian airspace and MiG fighters crossing into Estonian airspace, alongside drone-related disruptions at airports in Belgium, Denmark and Germany.
President Donald Trump said last month NATO forces should open fire on Russian aircraft that breach allied territory, remarks that the Kremlin condemned as escalatory, according to Newsweek.
United States Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said last week he is “working every single day” with allies on better options for “asymmetrical and hybrid war.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this week the incidents are part of “a deliberate and targeted grey zone campaign against Europe,” adding that “if we hesitate to act, the grey zone will only expand.”
How are members divided?
While some NATO members favor a more forceful stance, others warn against risking direct confrontation with a nuclear-armed Russia. Two officials told The Financial Times that one priority is standardizing engagement rules across the alliance’s eastern flank, where some countries currently require visual confirmation before firing, while others rely on radar data.
Moscow denied orchestrating the incursions and warned that any NATO action to shoot down its aircraft would be seen as an escalation that could lead to open conflict. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked European concerns, saying, “an epidemic of UFDs, or Unidentified Flying Drones, has engulfed European cities.”
What’s next?
Four NATO officials cited by The Financial Times said the talks are in an early stage with no timeline or obligation to agree on changes, and any shift in posture may not be publicly announced. Separately, the European Union is reportedly preparing its own measures, including travel restrictions on Russian diplomats and new funding for anti-drone defense systems.
