Trouble on the Horizon
On September 18, 2025, a livestream brought into sharp focus the dramatic uptick in military activity around the world. From Japanese warplanes deploying to Europe to drone skirmishes over Poland, the scope of the buildup suggests we may be entering a new, far more tense era.
Japan Sends Fighter Jets to NATO Bases
For the first time in history, Japan has deployed eight aircraft including four F-15 fighter jets and 180 personnel to NATO bases in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Operation name: Atlantic Eagles
Mission purpose: support European allies “against Russian aggression.”
This unprecedented move signals Japan’s deeper alignment with NATO as global alliances crystallize.
Russia’s “To Head West” Exercise
Just days earlier, Russia concluded a major drill near Lithuania.
Exercise name (translated): “To Head West”
Nature: primarily offensive maneuvers, not defensive.
While Moscow labels it a routine exercise, the title alone hints at provocative intent.
Drone Incursions Cost Millions
Last week, Shahed drones of Iranian design, operated by Russia, entered Polish and Romanian airspace.
NATO used air-to-air missiles costing hundreds of thousands of dollars each to down just three drones a total expenditure in the millions.
The incident highlights NATO’s vulnerability to low-cost drone warfare and the urgent need for cheaper counter-drone technology.
Operation Eastern Century: Defending Poland’s Skies
After the drone incidents, the UK confirmed that RAF Typhoon jets will patrol Polish airspace from RAF Lincolnshire, joined by Denmark, France, and Germany.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps declared: “These aircraft are not just a show of strength they are vital in deterring aggression.”
This deployment is part of Operation Eastern Century, NATO’s newest eastern-flank mission.
Poland Invokes NATO Article 4
Two days before the livestream, Polish President Andrzej Duda approved the presence of NATO troops under Operation Eastern Century.
Goal: strengthen Poland’s defenses following the drone incursions.
Moscow views the move as an aggressive act, but Warsaw cites its high-risk border location.
West vs. East: Diverging Strategies
Neil observed a striking difference in military buildup:
NATO nations are pouring huge sums into advanced, high-tech weapons.
Russia, China, and North Korea are scaling up drones and lower-cost systems.
Which strategy will prove more effective remains uncertain.
Personal Hedge and Preparedness
The livestream also touched on individual readiness:
Gold-to-silver ratio recently hit 100:1, historically a signal to accumulate silver.
Islands or neutral countries may remain safer in a major conflict.
Diversified investments can help weather geopolitical shocks.
Quick Recap
Sept 18, 2025: Japan deploys 8 aircraft (4 F-15s, 180 personnel) to NATO bases under Operation Atlantic Eagles.
“To Head West”: Russian drill near Lithuania features offensive tactics.
Millions spent to shoot down 3 Shahed drones over Poland and Romania.
Operation Eastern Century: UK, Denmark, France, Germany patrol Polish airspace.
Poland invokes NATO Article 4 to host foreign forces.
NATO invests heavily in advanced weapons, while Russia and China emphasize drones and low-cost arms.
Final Thoughts
From Japanese fighter jets in Europe to NATO patrols over Poland, the signs of an accelerating global military buildup are unmistakable.
Whether this trajectory leads to open conflict or remains a tense stalemate, the world is entering a period where drone warfare, alliance politics, and massive defense spending define the strategic landscape.
