NATO is preparing a "theory of victory" built on drones and artificial intelligence to repel a potential Russian attack, according to a strategy reported by Bloomberg. The plan centres on the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, a concept based on low-cost unmanned vehicles, minimally crewed systems and AI-based targeting. If attacked, NATO would first block an invasion with ground forces and eastern-flank assets, then seek to destroy enemy command and control to achieve a rapid and overwhelming defeat of Russian forces. The strategy stresses NATO's defensive nature while calling for collective action against hybrid threats below the threshold of conflict. It follows drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace that exposed gaps in air defences. Poland and Romania are deploying the AI-powered Merops counter-drone system, which uses artificial intelligence to navigate when satellite and electronic communications are jammed. Anduril and ORIGIN signed a September 25 agreement to integrate counter-drone technology for Latvia's air defence. European allies have sharply increased defence spending.