Why Russian drones over Poland downed with expensive missiles: NATO responds to criticism
Photo: Alexis Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (flickr by Air & Space Forces Association)
Fighter jet pilots from NATO countries should not have to think about the cost of their missiles when shooting down drones over Poland and protecting civilians, states Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, at a press conference.
Commenting on the question of using expensive missiles to destroy cheap drones, Grynkewich said he considered the operation successful.
He clarified that committing additional resources to address the problem would help solve it. That is why NATO is launching Operation Eastern Sentry. It is necessary so that Alliance countries can obtain cheaper weapons to use for self-defense.
"The last comment I'll make is when there's a fighter pilot that's in the air, or someone on the ground who's defending the Alliance. I don't want them thinking about how much their weapons cost. I want them defending our citizens," the Supreme Allied Commander Europe added.
Downing drones over Poland
When Russia attacked Poland with drones on the night of September 10, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets were scrambled to destroy the aerial targets.
According to Bild, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, which cost over 400,000 euros, were used to shoot down the drones.
The price of Russian Geran drones is around 10,000 dollars.
