NATO allies are considering deploying armed drones along the Russian border — and loosening restrictions on when pilots can shoot down enemy aircraft, according to a report.

The talks were initiated by frontline NATO states that border Russia, backed by the UK and France, but have since broadened to a larger group in the 32-strong alliance, NATO officials told the Financial Times .

Among the proposals on the table are the arming of surveillance drones that collect intelligence on Moscow’s military activities, and lowering the bar for pilots patrolling the border to take down Russian threats. 3

Some countries require pilots to visually confirm threats before engaging, while others allow them to open fire based solely on radar data or a perceived danger due to direction or speed, a

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