In a resolute stance against escalating security challenges, the chair of NATO’s Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, declared during a joint press conference in Latvia that the alliance is prepared to deliver a “resolute” and “proportionate” response to any threats targeting its airspace, land, or maritime domains. The statement, made following the Military Committee Conference held in Riga on Saturday, September 27, 2025, comes in the wake of a series of drone incursions reported by several NATO member states, which have heightened concerns about regional stability and the alliance’s collective defense mechanisms. Dragone’s remarks were echoed by Latvia’s defense chief, Kaspars Pudans, who underscored NATO’s readiness to protect every inch of its territory amid what he described as a broader campaign of intimidation aimed at destabilizing the region.
The recent incidents, particularly those involving suspected Russian drones, have cast a spotlight on NATO’s preparedness and unity in the face of hybrid threats. While NATO officials have confirmed the Russian origin of some of these incursions, Moscow has consistently denied or deflected responsibility, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. As tensions simmer, the alliance’s leadership has emphasized the importance of deterrence, readiness, and the enhancement of defense capabilities across multiple domains to counter both conventional and unconventional threats.
A Unified Response to Emerging Threats
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, speaking at the press conference alongside Pudans, left no room for ambiguity regarding NATO’s stance on the recent violations of its airspace. “Every threat to NATO’s air, land, and sea space will be dealt with a resolute and proportionate response. We are ready. There must be no doubt about it,” he asserted. His remarks were not only a reaffirmation of NATO’s commitment to collective defense but also a pointed message to potential adversaries that the alliance is equipped to respond decisively to any provocations.
Dragone highlighted the recent drone incursions as a clear demonstration of NATO’s ability to “swiftly reinforce” any member state facing a threat. The incursions, reported in countries such as Poland, Romania, Estonia, and Denmark, have raised alarm bells across the alliance, prompting a reassessment of security protocols and defense strategies. While Dragone emphasized that NATO does not seek confrontation, he stressed that the alliance would not hesitate to take any necessary actions to safeguard its members. “We do not seek confrontation, but we will not hesitate to undertake any action deemed necessary for our collective defense,” he said, signaling a balance between restraint and readiness.
The admiral’s comments reflect NATO’s broader strategic posture, which has evolved in response to a rapidly changing security environment. The incursions, many of which have been attributed to Russia, are seen as part of a broader pattern of hybrid warfare tactics designed to test NATO’s resolve and exploit perceived vulnerabilities. By publicly affirming the alliance’s preparedness, Dragone aimed to project strength and unity, reassuring both member states and potential adversaries of NATO’s unwavering commitment to its core principles.
Latvia’s Perspective: A Regional Call to Action
Kaspars Pudans, Latvia’s defense chief, provided a regional perspective on the incidents, framing them as part of a deliberate “campaign of intimidation and aggression” aimed at destabilizing NATO’s eastern flank. Speaking alongside Dragone, Pudans emphasized that the alliance, and Latvia in particular, is fully prepared to defend its territory against any incursions. “To be clear, NATO and NATO Latvia are prepared to defend every single centimeter of NATO territory. Our national and regional defense plans are structured around the principle of fight,” he declared.
Pudans’ remarks underscored the strategic importance of Latvia, which shares a border with Russia and has been a vocal advocate for strengthening NATO’s presence in the Baltic region. The recent drone incidents have only intensified Latvia’s calls for enhanced defense capabilities and greater coordination among allies. Pudans stressed that the credibility of NATO’s deterrence strategy hinges on its ability to act decisively across a full spectrum of threats, from conventional military actions to hybrid tactics such as cyberattacks and airspace violations.
“While we hope for peace, we prepare for war, because preparation is the surest path to readiness,” Pudans added, encapsulating the alliance’s dual approach of diplomacy and deterrence. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among NATO’s eastern members, who have long viewed Russia as a primary security threat and have pushed for increased military investments and forward deployments to counter potential aggression.
The Drone Incursions: A Growing Concern
The drone incursions reported in recent weeks have added a new layer of complexity to NATO’s security challenges. Several member states, including Poland, Romania, and Estonia, have reported airspace violations or disruptions caused by unidentified drones, some of which NATO officials have confirmed were of Russian origin. These incidents have not only raised concerns about the integrity of NATO’s airspace but also highlighted the evolving nature of hybrid warfare, where adversaries use unconventional tactics to probe defenses and sow discord.
In Poland, for instance, authorities reported a drone incursion that prompted a swift response from the country’s air defense systems. While Moscow claimed the incident was unintentional, NATO officials have expressed skepticism, pointing to a pattern of similar incidents across the region. In Romania, another NATO member on the alliance’s eastern flank, officials accused Russia of deliberately violating its airspace, an allegation that Moscow dismissed as a Ukrainian provocation. Similarly, Estonia reported drone activity near its border with Russia, further escalating tensions in the Baltic region.
Perhaps the most dramatic incident occurred in Denmark, where authorities were forced to close airspace over multiple airports on Thursday, September 25, 2025, following reports of drone activity. The closures led to flight diversions and heightened security measures, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen describing the situation as evidence of “a hybrid war unfolding on Danish soil.” While Frederiksen stopped short of directly attributing the incidents to Russia, she identified Moscow as the primary threat, citing its history of hybrid warfare tactics.
The Russian Embassy in Copenhagen was quick to reject these accusations, labeling them “absurd speculations” and denying any involvement in the incidents. However, the pattern of denials from Moscow has done little to assuage NATO’s concerns, with many officials viewing the incursions as part of a broader strategy to test the alliance’s response capabilities and exploit divisions among its members.
The Broader Context: Hybrid Warfare and NATO’s Response
The recent drone incidents are just one facet of what NATO officials describe as a broader campaign of hybrid warfare aimed at undermining the alliance’s cohesion and security. Hybrid warfare, which combines conventional military tactics with unconventional methods such as cyberattacks, disinformation, and airspace violations, has become a hallmark of Russia’s approach to its geopolitical rivals. By deploying drones to violate NATO airspace, Moscow is believed to be testing the alliance’s detection and response capabilities while simultaneously sending a message of defiance.
For NATO, the challenge lies in balancing its response to these provocations without escalating tensions to the point of open conflict. The alliance’s leadership has emphasized the importance of proportionality in its responses, ensuring that any actions taken are sufficient to deter further aggression without provoking a broader confrontation. This delicate balancing act requires close coordination among member states, as well as investments in advanced technologies to detect and neutralize threats such as drones.
The incidents have also underscored the need for NATO to modernize its defense capabilities to address the evolving nature of warfare. Drones, in particular, represent a growing challenge due to their affordability, accessibility, and ability to operate in contested environments. To counter this threat, NATO has been exploring new technologies, such as counter-drone systems and advanced radar networks, to enhance its situational awareness and response capabilities.
Strengthening NATO’s Deterrence Posture
Both Dragone and Pudans emphasized the importance of strengthening NATO’s deterrence posture to address the full spectrum of threats facing the alliance. This includes not only enhancing air defense systems but also improving coordination among member states and investing in new capabilities to counter hybrid threats. The recent incidents have served as a wake-up call for NATO, prompting a renewed focus on readiness and resilience.
In Latvia, for example, the government has prioritized the development of robust national and regional defense plans, with a particular emphasis on countering Russian aggression. The country has also hosted NATO exercises and deployments to demonstrate its commitment to collective defense. Similarly, other eastern flank members, such as Poland and Estonia, have called for increased NATO presence and resources to bolster their defenses.
At the broader alliance level, NATO has been working to implement the decisions made at its 2022 Madrid Summit, where leaders agreed to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and elsewhere. This includes the deployment of additional forces to the eastern flank, the development of new defense plans, and the modernization of NATO’s command structure to ensure rapid response times.
The Path Forward: Balancing Diplomacy and Strength
As NATO navigates this complex security landscape, its leadership faces the challenge of balancing diplomacy with military preparedness. While the alliance remains committed to avoiding unnecessary escalation, it must also demonstrate that it is capable of responding decisively to any threats. The recent drone incursions have underscored the importance of this dual approach, as NATO seeks to deter aggression while maintaining open channels for dialogue.
For now, the alliance’s focus remains on enhancing its readiness and coordination to address both immediate and long-term threats. The statements from Dragone and Pudans reflect a broader consensus within NATO that preparation is the key to deterrence, and that the alliance must remain vigilant in the face of evolving challenges.
As the situation continues to develop, NATO’s ability to maintain unity and resolve will be critical to its success in countering hybrid threats and ensuring the security of its member states. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the alliance, but they also highlight its determination to adapt and respond to an increasingly volatile world.
