Air security of NATO’s eastern flank: threats and challenges

Abstract

The focal point of the paper is to assess the air security on the NATO’s eastern flank in the context of the dynamic changes that have occurred in its immediate vicinity. The authors, beginning with an overview of the current framework of the air security situation in the region, have analysed the developments that have taken place in that regard. The modernisation of missile systems, as well as air and space forces by the Russian Federation, both in qualitative and quantitative terms, have been the subject of thorough scrutiny. The challenges generated by the new situation have been weighed against the current and future NATO’s defence capabilities against air threats.

Keywords

• air defence
• air security
• air threats
• NATO’s eastern flank
• Russian Federation’s air force