BLUF
Recent Russian incursions into NATO airspace test alliance resolve. NATO’s reactive border defence is costly and limited, while a forward defence—supporting Ukraine with integrated air systems—reduces escalation risk and strengthens long-term deterrence.Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse Russian objectives in probing NATO airspace with unarmed drones and incursions, including political division within the alliance.
- Evaluate NATO’s current defensive posture and the dilemmas posed by defending only from within alliance borders.
- Assess the implications of shifting NATO air defence forward into Ukraine, including risk management and alliance cohesion.
