EU plans “Drone Wall” to shield borders from Russian threats

European defence ministers agreed on Friday to establish a “drone wall” along EU borders with Russia and Ukraine to detect, track, and intercept drones violating European airspace. The move comes after a series of drone incidents targeting Europe’s borders and airports, with Russia blamed for some, though it denies any involvement.

EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, who chaired a virtual meeting of ten countries on Europe’s eastern flank, said, “Russia is testing the EU and NATO, and our response must be firm, united, and immediate.” Ukrainian and NATO officials also participated in the talks.

Kubilius noted the drone shield could take a year to construct, with envoys soon meeting to develop a detailed technical roadmap. “The top priority is an effective detection system,” he said. The project is expected to be discussed by EU leaders at upcoming summits in Copenhagen and Brussels.

Countries including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland had already been exploring a drone wall, but funding requests were previously rejected. Recent incidents, however, have intensified the urgency. NATO jets were scrambled on 10 September to down Russian drones in Polish airspace, while Danish airports were temporarily closed this week due to drone activity.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said, “The threat from the Russian Federation is serious. We must respond in a very radical manner.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the incidents as part of a “new reality” of hybrid attacks in Europe. Sweden has offered Denmark an anti-drone system capable of shooting down UAVs ahead of EU summits next week.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the drone wall is central to Europe’s defence: “It should be a European capability developed, deployed, and sustained together, responding in real time. Europe will defend every inch of its territory.” A total of €6 billion will be allocated to establish a drone alliance with Ukraine, whose forces have been using UAVs to inflict substantial losses on Russian troops.

EU leaders are set to meet on Wednesday, with drone security expected to dominate the agenda.