New Delhi, Sept. 13 -- NATO has unveiled a major new defensive initiative, codenamed "Eastern Sentry," in direct response to what officials have described as a "dangerous and unacceptable" Russian drone incursion into Polish territory earlier this week.

The operation, announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Friday, will begin within days and is designed to bolster the alliance's eastern flank amid rising tensions with Moscow. Forces and equipment from Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other allied nations will participate.

"Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture and make clear that, as a defensive alliance, we are always ready to defend," Rutte said.

The initiative comes just days afte...