NATO Air Defense Absorbs 65-Year Air Policing Mission to Counter Drones

NATO has integrated its long-running Air Policing mission into a broader, continuous Air Defence posture during 2026 to address drones, cruise missiles and crewed aircraft. Under the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the framework combines quick-reaction fighters with sea- and surface-based air and missile defenses and counter-drone systems. Eastern Sentry deployments and other reinforcement activities have been incorporated into the standing mission, whose evolution was detailed in NATO documentation updated on September 29. The expanded posture retains airspace monitoring and interception duties while providing additional layers of defense and greater flexibility to respond to changing threats.