EU Nations Unite to Develop a 'Drone Wall' Amid Rising Threats from Russia

Defense ministers and officials from nine EU countries, which form the eastern border of the EU, convened on Friday for a virtual meeting aimed at formulating plans for a collective defense against increasing drone attacks. The urgency of this dialogue stems from the heightened threat posed by Russia and recent airspace violations over Estonia, Poland, and Romania. In attendance were representatives from Denmark, the current EU presidency, as well as Ukraine, a nation leading the charge in drone manufacturing and interception technology. This meeting not only seeks to address pressing security concerns but also involves expertise from NATO, underscoring the collaborative nature of the discussions. Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner responsible for defense matters, played a pivotal role in the discussions. The main objectives include inventorying existing resources and pinpointing needed capabilities for an effective response to drone incursions. Kubilius expressed optimism that a coordinated system—informally termed a "drone wall"—could be operational within a year. He emphasized the current limitations in detecting drones, stating, "We excel in detecting combat aircraft and missiles, but drones fly at low altitudes and are relatively small." This meeting was designed to be inclusive; although it is limited to select countries for now, the EU Commission insists that all member states are affected by these security challenges. As Thomas Regnier, the Commission's spokesperson on defense issues, noted, "These are initial discussions. We will absolutely not exclude any member states. Recent events demonstrate that this concerns all member countries." However, Sweden's participation remains uncertain, as Defense Minister Pål Jonson indicated that it is premature to determine whether Sweden will join efforts to establish the drone wall. The immediate focus of the Commission is to engage with EU member states bordering Russia to enhance their capabilities in identifying, tracking, and neutralizing drones that intrude into their airspace. Jonson reiterated the importance of swift and decisive action by the EU and NATO, aiming to bolster collective defense measures against drone threats across Europe. The EU's role is primarily financial, supporting the development of the drone wall, while military powers lie within the individual nations and NATO. A press conference is scheduled for later in the day in Helsinki, where further details will be shared as the discussions progress. The countries actively involved in the EU's Drone Alliance include Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, alongside Ukraine and Denmark. The initiative reflects a significant step towards regional security collaboration in response to the increasingly complex threat landscape posed by drone technology in contemporary warfare. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2