In Finland, 30 km from the border with Russia, NATO is conducting large-scale military exercises "Northern Star," taking place against the backdrop of increasing drone incidents in the airspace of Alliance countries. This was reported by Euronews, according to UNN.
Details
The tactical exercise "Northern Star" at the Vuosanka training ground in Kajaani, central Finland, brings together seven NATO countries: the armed forces of Finland, the United States, Poland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Hungary. Over several months, approximately 9,000 troops will train in the challenging conditions of the northern region, featuring dense forests and temperatures reaching -20°C in winter.
Allied forces are practicing combat and rapid deployment scenarios using live-fire drills, infantry, and helicopter exercises, including American Chinook heavy transport helicopters working in tandem with tanks to move troops and equipment in difficult terrain.
Alongside traditional military capabilities, a key element of "Northern Star" is NATO's "Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative" (EFDI), which involves creating an "autonomous zone" where unmanned systems can operate, similar to the concept of a so-called "drone wall" or "networked drone swarms."
EFDI also entails a significant troop presence, including multinational battlegroups that can be deployed in the event of ambushes or serious threats.
Russian drone strike in Romania: how European and NATO countries reacted29.05.26, 17:32
NATO's enhanced deterrence strategy is taking shape as allies seek to modernize the capabilities of the eastern flank. The development of drone technology is constantly changing the nature of warfare in Ukraine and beyond, and while Ukraine is becoming a leader in this field, the Russian army is capable of scaling production more cheaply and launching drones over longer distances.
The "Northern Star" exercises — which are annual and planned in advance — are taking place against the backdrop of incidents related to Russian activity that concern NATO countries.
Addition
Two Romanian F-16 fighter jets were scrambled in response to a Russian drone violating NATO airspace early Friday morning, when the drone hit an apartment building in the city of Galați in eastern Romania near the border with Ukraine, injuring at least two people.
A meeting of Romania's National Security Council was held in Bucharest on Friday to determine further actions, including the possibility of a formal appeal to NATO.
It is likely that Bucharest may activate Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows a member state to bring a security issue for consideration by the North Atlantic Council — the Alliance's main political body
The reaction on Friday within NATO's operation "Eastern Sentry," established to protect the eastern flank, raised broader questions about the Alliance's readiness to respond to a possible escalation of Russian attacks.
It is noted that operation "Eastern Sentry" was created after Poland triggered Article 4 procedures following a Russian drone incursion in September 2025.
In response to the incident in Romania, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that "Russia's reckless behavior poses a danger to us all," while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that "Russia's war of aggression has crossed another line."
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, held a conversation with his Romanian counterpart, General Gheorghiță Vlad, and stated that additional measures to strengthen the defense of Romania and NATO are being considered.
They also agreed to maintain close contact during the investigation of the incident and discussions on possible additional defensive measures, according to a statement by NATO representative Colonel Martin O'Donnell.