School of War Ep 231: Peter Rough on Russian Drone Incursions into NATO
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Sep 16, 2025 Peter Rough, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, discusses alarming Russian drone incursions over Poland and Romania. He explores NATO's military response and the broader implications for regional security. The conversation delves into Europe's varied political dynamics, shaped by ongoing conflicts, and highlights the rise of populism amid decreasing American influence. Rough also examines the strategic motivations behind Russia's drone tactics and the need for NATO to adapt to evolving threats in a complex geopolitical landscape.
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Romanian Incursion Reinforces Pattern
- A subsequent incursion occurred in northern Romania near the Danube Delta involving similar drones.
- Romania is sensitive after past incidents and intercepted a drone that spent around 50 minutes in its airspace.
Drones Serve As Both Decoys And Killers
- These Iranian-origin drones have been used both as attack vehicles and decoys in mass waves inside Ukraine.
- Outcomes vary: some were shot down, some hit buildings, and some exploded on impact.
Europe Shifting Into North–South Divide
- European security politics are realigning into a North/South split rather than the traditional Franco‑German core.
- Northern states are rebuilding defense and writing checks, while many southern states lack fiscal space to match that support.