NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that each violation of the Alliance’s airspace by aircraft or drones will be assessed individually, with decisions based on the level of threat to member states and the necessity of possible interception or destruction of such objects. He made this statement at a press conference in Brussels following a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, reports Baltimore Chronicle citing Ukrinform.
Rutte emphasized that decisions on security measures against airspace violators are taken in real time and rely on intelligence data. According to him, the assessment considers intentions, weaponry, and potential risks to allied forces, civilians, and infrastructure.
He also pointed out that the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexis Grinkevich, has the authority and full capability to take operational actions for which he bears responsibility.
Commenting on the latest airspace violation in Estonia, the NATO Secretary General said that Alliance forces swiftly intercepted and escorted the aircraft without escalation, as no immediate threat was identified.
Rutte rejected claims that NATO’s deterrence mechanisms are losing effectiveness, stressing that despite provocations from Russia, the Alliance remains fully capable of responding. When asked about deploying additional assets on the eastern borders to counter such provocations, he replied: “Of course.”
Addressing remarks from Polish officials about readiness to shoot down Russian air targets in case of airspace violations, Rutte underlined that such decisions would also be made depending on specific circumstances.
Regarding the drones detected over Denmark and Norway, he said it was too early to draw conclusions and added that he had just discussed the issue with the Danish Prime Minister.
Earlier we wrote that Medvedev warns NATO: shooting down Russian drones qver Ukraine means war.
