Europe's "wall Of Drones": What Is The Meaning Of The New Defense System
- 1.10.2025, 9:19
- 1,916
Recent incursions by Russian drones have given the project a special urgency.
The European Union is drawing up a plan to create a so-called "Drone Wall," a defense system along the bloc's eastern flank that would repel drones from Russia. Amid recent incidents of Russian drones intruding into European airspace, officials have an incentive to act quickly.
The idea is expected to be discussed in Copenhagen when leaders from all 27 EU countries gather to discuss trade and defense issues, writes The New York Times.
What is known about the plan for a "Drone Wall"
How did the idea come about? European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea of "surveillance of the eastern flank." The proposal immediately looked like an urgent one: on the same day, Russian drones entered Polish airspace. Later, already Romania reported the penetration of a Russian drone into its airspace, and Russian fighter jets appeared in the skies over Estonia.
The first planning call was soon held with representatives of countries bordering Russia - Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Slovakia and Finland - as well as Denmark, which now leads the EU.
"We must act now - Europe must give a strong and united response to Russian drone incursions on our borders. We will therefore propose immediate measures for a drone wall," von der Leyen said.
What is a drone wall and how will it work? Many countries already have or are developing technology against UAVs. In this case, the goal is to create a joint shield to better detect, track and intercept drones as they enter the airspace of the EU or its allies.
The wall will not be a physical barrier, but a coordinated network of drone tracking systems - possibly using radar, jammers and acoustic sensors, as well as improved information and data sharing.
"We must keep our skies safe. The drone wall initiative is timely and necessary. Ultimately we cannot spend millions of euros or dollars on missiles to destroy drones that cost only a few thousand dollars," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The exact characteristics of the drone wall, funding sources and implementation timeline are still under discussion. The project will draw on the experience of Ukraine, which is already advising its European allies.
One of the "immediate priorities," according to Lithuanian Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, is improved detection, "which we clearly lack in some places."
The drone wall will be part of a broader initiative to strengthen control on the EU's eastern flank. It could include improved maritime security in the Baltic and Black Seas, as well as a real-time space surveillance system to track military movements.
Why would Europe need it? Europe was already on high alert before the recent drone incursions. Russia spends almost 7% of its GDP on the military and is actively mobilizing. Europe is trying to send a signal of readiness.
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