EU Leaders Back Ambitious Defense Proposals to Strengthen Eastern Security
European Union leaders expressed broad support on Wednesday for initial proposals aimed at enhancing community defense capabilities, particularly along the eastern flank of Europe, and for the development of an antidrone system. At an informal summit in Copenhagen, the 27 member states positively received a draft from the European Commission, representing a significant step toward bolstering EU security by 2030, as noted by European Council President Antonio Costa during a post-meeting press conference.
Among the concrete measures outlined in the document is the creation of an antidrone wall—an ambitious European initiative focused on developing a detection, tracking, and interception system for unmanned aerial vehicles, while the Eastern Flank Surveillance strategy emphasizes reinforcing terrestrial, maritime, and cyber defense capabilities.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, host of the summit, highlighted the widespread support for the proposals and outlined the necessary steps for establishing the antidrone wall. The first step involves creating a European ecosystem dedicated to the technology's development, drawing inspiration from Ukraine's experiences in its conflict with Moscow. Frederiksen stressed that investment in this technology must adapt to the rapid changes in the industry, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges posed by unmanned and small-sized aircraft is impractical. Recent incidents involving Russian drones in the airspaces of member states, including Denmark, underscore the urgency of this initiative.
Both Frederiksen and Costa underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to European security, addressing various geographical regions, including southern Europe, in response to concerns from countries like Spain and Italy. The discussion also highlighted the interconnectedness of security with issues like immigration and climate change, pressing the need for a multifaceted common strategy.
Specifically, the EU plans to extend its antidrone wall along a 3,400-kilometer border, stretching from southern Poland to northern Estonia. The roadmap published by the Commission describes this project as a multilayered and technologically advanced zone equipped with interoperable antidrone capabilities, incorporating radars, observation drones, small missiles, and laser systems, all linked to a centralized command center. This system aims to monitor the borders closely, allowing for the detection, tracking, and, if necessary, destruction of any approaching drones. The initiative also includes drones capable of executing ground attacks.
The Commission highlights the urgency of the antidrone wall project, especially given the recent surge in airspace violations by drones, which have become increasingly pivotal in modern warfare, as evidenced by developments in the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. Interestingly, the roles have reversed, with European nations now looking to Ukraine for assistance and technological support. Kyiv has recently developed several effective counter-drone technologies, such as acoustic sensors for detecting drone trajectories and small drones to intercept and destroy them mid-flight. Ukraine, which is producing these devices in large quantities for its own frontline needs, is reportedly open to exporting these systems to its allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reiterated support for the European initiatives, emphasizing the need for increased action to ensure the safety of European skies.
Stay updated with El Huffpost and follow all the latest news via our app, available for both Android and iOS.
Related Sources:
• Source 1 • Source 2