Former Chief of Defence Staff: Drone incursion was another 'mistake' by Russia
Delivering his first speech since stepping down as head of the Armed Forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin described Russia's drone incursion into Poland's airspace as another "mistake."
His comments, made at the Institute for Government, follow the announcement of Operation Eastern Sentry, a Nato exercise to strengthen protection over the alliance's eastern flank.
Commencing in the coming days, it will involve assets from the UK as well as allies, including France and Germany.
"We're doing it in a traditional way in terms of increased surveillance, additional jets," Adm Sir Tony said.
"But the really significant piece is the recognition to speed up the plans that exist to have a much more modern Eastern flank in terms of how you defend it, and to take some of the ways that Ukraine uses and put that for Nato.
"That could be some of the acoustic systems, some of the warning systems, and the use of drones.
"It's being much more adept, and that makes it much harder for Russia in the future, and it's Russia that's triggered that."
Tensions have remained high across Europe since Poland accused Russia of violating its airspace with an incursion of at least 19 Geran-2 drones, a Russian-built version of the Iranian Shahed 136 loitering munition, on 10 September.
The incident led Poland to invoke Nato's Article 4, which allows member countries to bring any issues of concern – especially related to security – to the North Atlantic Council, the alliance's main political decision-making body.
Despite growing concerns about drone incursion into both Poland and Romania, Adm Sir Tony said there is a whole range of responses available to Nato, Europe and the West.
"That's why I constantly say we shouldn't be cowed by 19 drones that end up in Poland," he said.
"That's significant for Poland. But that is not an attack by Russia on Nato."
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