LOC18:43
15:43 GMT
BRUSSELS, Oct 15 (KUNA) -- NATO on Wednesday said that it has begun implementing a set of additional measures to strengthen its defensive capabilities against drone threats, calling for more coordination with the European Union (EU) to ensure the success of such efforts.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels following a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the Alliance is "raising its level of vigilance and reinforcing its defensive posture along the eastern flank," including the recently launched Eastern Sentry initiative in the Baltic Sea.
The NATO chief cited ongoing tests for "integrated systems to detect, track and neutralize aerial threats," underlining the use of procurement mechanisms to develop cost-effective and efficient counter-drone capabilities.
In line with the additional measures, he said that NATO would not shoot down any aircraft in its airspace unless it "poses a threat," which in such case, allows "our forces full authority to respond immediately," added the official.
He went on to say that NATO and the EU are working side by side in close cooperation, describing relations as "functioning smoothly and effectively," while also emphasizing the Alliance's readiness to "protect the safety" of its one billion citizens and the security of its territory, he added. (end)
arn.nam