Drone incursions in Romania, Poland, Latvia and Estonia are forcing NATO to change its military strategy. The Alliance wants expanded powers for the Supreme Commander
NATO member states plan to give more freedom of action to the alliance's top military commander in Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich, amid an increase in drone incidents.
Alexus Grynkewich PHOTO INQUAM Ovidiu Matiu
According to diplomatic sources, a proposal under discussion could be approved at the July 7-8 NATO leaders' summit in Ankara and would allow for a faster response to air threats, writes Politico.
The plan provides for Alexus Grynkewich to be able to more flexibly set alert levels and redeploy air defense assets within the Alliance without requiring formal approvals from each member state.
Currently, the use of military equipment is strictly regulated at the national level, which, according to some NATO officials, limits the ability to react quickly to threats.
The initiative comes in the context of increasing incidents, including drone incursions in Poland and Romania, airspace violations in Estonia and the appearance of suspicious devices in Latvia, some resulting in damage and casualties.
The project also provides for the integration of anti-missile defense systems in the air police missions carried out by NATO, especially on the eastern flank.
Several member states have criticized the national restrictions in the past as an obstacle to effectively coordinating the response to air threats. Talks about relaxing those limitations have intensified in recent months, including after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Turkey, which increased pressure for a common approach across the Alliance.
