Foreign Affairs and International Development

The committee met to study Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace. Appearing were Eric Laporte, Executive Director of the Regional Security and Defence Relations Division at Global Affairs Canada; Ty Curran, Deputy Director General of International Security Policy at the Department of National Defence; and Stéphane Lessard, Executive Director of the Europe Bilateral and European Union Institutions Division at Global Affairs Canada.

Eric Laporte outlined the recent increase in Russian airspace violations since September 10, 2025, including drones over Poland and Romania, MiG-31 jets over Estonia, and suspected drone activity over Copenhagen and Oslo airports. He explained that NATO invoked Article 4 twice and launched Operation Eastern Sentry to reinforce the eastern flank, and that Canada summoned the Russian ambassador to condemn the actions. He noted that Russia typically denies responsibility and that the incursions are part of a broader pattern of hybrid activities, including sabotage and disinformation.

Ty Curran confirmed that Canada has not yet provided additional forces to Eastern Sentry but is examining possible contributions, and that Canada’s main deployed assets in Europe are four Griffon helicopters in Latvia. He emphasized that NATO is adapting its posture and that Canada is investing in counter-drone and air defence capabilities, partly by learning from Ukraine’s experience. He noted that Russia’s MiG-31s that entered Estonian airspace were armed, and that the threshold for engagement depends on real-time commander assessments.

Stéphane Lessard added that Minister Anand held bilateral discussions with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski to reaffirm Canada’s solidarity. He noted that the drone activity over Copenhagen is part of Russia’s hybrid toolkit, designed to disrupt and apply psychological pressure on populations and governments. He did not offer specific recommendations but underscored ongoing diplomatic coordination with allies.

On deterrence, witnesses disagreed implicitly with the suggestion that NATO’s response has been insufficient, arguing that the alliance has shown resolve through Article 4 consultations, a North Atlantic Council statement, and the rapid establishment of Eastern Sentry. They noted that shooting down drones involves cost-benefit calculations and that NATO’s posture is being augmented over time.

The committee did not debate any motions or procedural matters during this meeting.