The Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies convenes monthly meetings of its National and Arctic Interest Chairs. The meetings are a platform for TSC-affiliated Arctic security experts to discuss issues of common interest.
During the September 19 meeting, the Chairs discussed NATO airspace incursion by Russian drones and aircraft.
September saw multiple instances of Russian incursions European airspace beyond Ukraine, first in Poland and then in Estonia. The incident in Poland involved roughly 20 drones and caused Poland to invoke Article 4 of NATO’s Washington Treaty, triggering a special session of the North Atlantic Council. The Chairs discussed European reactions to the incidents, including the Polish conviction that Russia intentionally crossed into Poland’s airspace. While Russian motives remain uncertain, the Chairs agreed Russia will be closely monitoring U.S. and NATO responses to the incursions. So far, the response has represented an international cooperation success story, with close coordination among allies and the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry.
In considering what comes next, the Chairs identified further collaboration and innovation on domain awareness technology as a top priority. For example, development of acoustic aircraft detection systems remains of interest. The TSC supports research into airspace monitoring and other domain awareness issues through the International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR). The TSC director is appointed by the Chief of Naval Research as the U.S. Principal to the Situational Awareness Working Group.