NATO is considering allowing its pilots to fire at unauthorized Russian aircraft and deploying drones along Russia’s borders, according to reports from the Financial Times. The report, citing unnamed sources, suggests that several NATO member states are currently debating a more forceful response to Russia. These changes would require a significant shift from existing rules of engagement, which vary among member states and may include scenarios where pilots are permitted to engage based on radar data or perceived threats, rather than requiring visual confirmation.
The discussions come amid Western claims that Russia has repeatedly violated EU airspace, with Moscow dismissing these allegations as unfounded. Last month, Estonia and Poland reported that Russian aircraft had entered their airspace, an incident that has also been speculated to involve drones in other EU countries, disrupting air traffic. While these claims have not been confirmed by Russian authorities, they have led to heightened tensions along NATO’s eastern border.
Proposals include arming surveillance drones that currently monitor Russian military developments and lowering the threshold for fighter pilots on NATO’s eastern border to take down perceived threats. Other considerations involve conducting military exercises directly along Russia’s border. However, NATO officials are reportedly working to streamline the rules of engagement, which currently vary between member states – some nations require pilots to visually identify targets before firing, while others allow engagement based on radar data or the perceived direction and speed of an approaching aircraft.
The report indicates that the talks, initiated by states bordering Russia and backed by France and the UK, have developed into a broader, bloc-wide discussion. This process is at an early stage, with some governments advocating for strong deterrence policies while others urge caution to avoid direct confrontation. Russia has accused NATO of escalating tensions near its borders through expanded military deploys and exercises, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that the bloc is effectively at war with Russia due to its support for Ukraine. The article also comes in the wake of a recent EU summit on creating a ‘drone wall’ to deter alleged Russian incursions, which reportedly resulted in a stalemate.