The Times quoted the admiral saying: “Air defense may be one option, depending on the final assessment of those cases (airspace violations) currently under investigation… but it is not the only option.”

According to the newspaper, the matter involves moving from air patrols to a more active air defense, which would facilitate shooting down aircraft alleged to have violated the airspace.

At the same time, Dragoon pointed out that the alliance still does not know who is behind the recent airspace violations of its member states.

He said: “Since these violations occurred very recently, they are still under investigation, and of course, we need a focal point and to identify who is responsible for the violations.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk claimed on September 10 the downing of “dangerous Russian drones on Polish territory” without providing any evidence.

Later, Estonia claimed an airspace violation by Russian fighter jets.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense denied that its fighters or drones violated NATO airspace, affirming that all its aircraft operate according to international standards.