NATO discusses enhanced deterrence after airspace violations, including drone shootdown over Latvia

NATO defense ministers convened on August 15, 2026, to discuss strengthening the alliance's deterrence and defense posture, including through 'Eastern Sentry' initiatives. This follows a series of airspace violations along NATO's eastern flank, notably the shooting down of a drone over Latvian airspace by NATO fighter jets in the early hours of August 14, 2026. The discussions also addressed a Russian missile landing 55 miles inside Polish territory on July 30, with Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterating NATO's defensive nature and readiness.