NATO Eastern Sentry
NATO military activity strengthening air defence on its eastern flank, launched in September 2025.
Bulgaria asked NATO on 16 October 2026 for aircraft, air defence, counter-drone systems and air patrols after drones sank the cargo ship HS Dignity off its coast; Mark Rutte said the eastern-flank presence would adjust as needed.
Last refreshed: 18 October 2026
Will NATO's Eastern Sentry cover Bulgaria's Black Sea coast?
Timeline for NATO Eastern Sentry
Mentioned in: Drones sink HS Dignity off Bulgaria
Russia-Ukraine War 2026Background
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, announced Eastern Sentry on 12 September 2025. Two days earlier about 20 Russian drones had entered Polish airspace. Poland requested Article 4 consultations, and the Alliance launched the activity within days of that incursion, the precedent Bulgaria drew on in October 2026.
The activity combines traditional and new allied assets, including elements built to counter drones. At launch it was described as covering the whole eastern flank, from the Baltic states to Romania and Bulgaria. Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom were among the first allies to commit assets.
Bulgaria's request in October 2026 came after drones sank the HS Dignity off Krapets on the night of 12 to 13 October, with 11 crew missing. Sofia asked for "the entire spectrum of available assets", and Rutte answered in eastern-flank terms.
What is NATO Eastern Sentry?
Why did NATO launch Eastern Sentry?
What did Bulgaria ask NATO for in October 2026?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 18 October 2026. Editorial standards.