Brussels: NATO officials say the alliance’s strong defensive posture has helped deter recent Russian incursions into member states’ airspace, but caution that Moscow continues to use hybrid tactics to challenge European security.

Speaking to reporters, U.S. Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said that while direct violations by Russian aircraft have decreased, “hybrid threats” such as drone incursions, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns remain a growing concern.

The warning comes weeks after several tense incidents along NATO’s eastern flank. On September 19, three Russian military aircraft briefly entered Estonia’s airspace and were intercepted by NATO fighter jets. Earlier, more than 20 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace, prompting NATO to shoot down some of them  the first such action since the start of the Ukraine war.

“These incidents show that Russia continues to probe NATO’s defences,” Grynkewich said. “They’re testing the boundaries, but they now understand that the alliance will respond.”

NATO data shows at least 38 drone-related incidents have been recorded across Europe since September, affecting countries such as Poland, Estonia, Finland, and Belgium. While Russia denies involvement, Western officials say the pattern fits a broader strategy of intimidation and disruption.

In response, NATO and the European Union are accelerating plans to strengthen defence coordination. Initiatives include developing a continent-wide counter-drone network and reinforcing eastern border surveillance systems by 2030.

Grynkewich emphasised that the alliance remains vigilant: “We have managed to deter open aggression, but hybrid threats are designed to exploit uncertainty. That’s where our focus must now be.”

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, NATO leaders say the conflict’s ripple effects continue to shape Europe’s security environment  keeping the alliance on high alert for both visible and unseen threats.