NATO mulls elevating command authority to shoot down drones — report
SACEUR Alexus Grynkewich (Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt)
NATO
countries want to give the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) more
authority to shoot down drones, Politico reported
on June 12, citing sources.
After months of talks, allies are expected to approve a proposal at the July 7–8 summit in Ankara that would give U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich greater powers to counter the threat, the sources said.
“At present, NATO members dictate rules of how and where specific national weapons can be used. Under the terms of the new proposal, Grynkewich would have greater flexibility in shifting assets across the alliance and setting alert readiness levels of military kit without seeking formal approval,” Politico wrote.
It also calls for integrating NATO missile defense systems into fighter patrols that police airspace on the alliance’s eastern flank and beyond, with an emphasis on air defense.
Some allies have long criticized national limits that hinder quick responses to airborne threats. Talks about lifting those restrictions have been under way since October amid a rise in drone incursions. This year’s Iranian ballistic missile strikes on Turkey have added weight to arguments for an alliance-wide approach, the officials said.
Earlier this year, Grynkewich presented his proposals for
greater allied force flexibility to the ambassadors of NATO member states.
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