[Goose]

My response would be to start sending NATO airplanes into Ukranian airspace (well away from Russian air defenses) to shoot down drones before the reach NATO airspace.  It can be done in the name of protecting NATO at the invitation of the Ukranians even though what they will really be doing is helping Ukraine protect itself.

BC

That is part of the "external ADZ". Those 200 km are for that purpose. In order to prevent Russia from just sending the drones by routes that don't include Ukraine (e.g. the Baltic States, Belarus) the defended area needs to be somewhat broader in scope. It also has the advantage of intellectual consistency, in that all the NATO border states are defended equally. The fact Ukraine gets free air defense is a serendipity. If the Baltics come under the same threat that 200 km will extend into Russia. Then things could get interesting. Hopefully the initial declaration will give Russia pause and they will not risk widening the conflict.

[Goose]

My response would be to start sending NATO airplanes into Ukranian airspace (well away from Russian air defenses) to shoot down drones before the reach NATO airspace.  It can be done in the name of protecting NATO at the invitation of the Ukranians even though what they will really be doing is helping Ukraine protect itself.

BC

That is part of the "external ADZ". Those 200 km are for that purpose. In order to prevent Russia from just sending the drones by routes that don't include Ukraine (e.g. the Baltic States, Belarus) the defended area needs to be somewhat broader in scope. It also has the advantage of intellectual consistency, in that all the NATO border states are defended equally. The fact Ukraine gets free air defense is a serendipity. If the Baltics come under the same threat that 200 km will extend into Russia. Then things could get interesting. Hopefully the initial declaration will give Russia pause and they will not risk widening the conflict.