Russia and NATO face off

"Pinch Point"

"The Baltic states say Russia is testing NATO by flying jets and drones into their airspace."

"But how should NATO respond? Shooting down rogue aircraft is one answer but that could have dire consequences."

Baltic states report repeated Russian flights of jets and drones into their national airspace and characterize those actions as tests of NATO. NATO must determine appropriate responses that protect member airspace and uphold collective defense. Options include diplomatic protest, increased air policing, interception without engagement, and the far-riskier option of shooting down intruding aircraft. Using force against aircraft risks significant escalation and potential wider conflict. Effective management requires clear rules of engagement, robust alliance coordination, proportional deterrence measures, and efforts to avoid actions that could trigger a military confrontation.

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