The European Union (EU) has formally announced the establishment of a ‘drone wall’ along its eastern border in response to persistent airspace incursions by Russia. The objective is twofold: to detect and intercept drones. The inaugural meeting for this project took place on Friday, with participation from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Finland. Ukraine was also invited due to its advanced drone technology capabilities, which include the potential to manufacture approximately 4 million drones annually. NATO was present as an observer. Further discussions on this issue are scheduled for an informal meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen next week.
Recent weeks have witnessed multiple drone sightings in Poland, Romania, Estonia, and Denmark. Poland experienced 19 Russian drone incursions, while a drone incident at Copenhagen Airport led to a four-hour flight disruption. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that while Russia’s involvement cannot be entirely ruled out, there is currently no definitive evidence. The Danish Defence Minister labeled the incidents as a hybrid attack.
Sweden has offered to lend Denmark a military anti-drone system before the upcoming summit in Copenhagen. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson indicated that the system is capable of shooting down drones. It remains unclear whether Denmark has accepted this offer.
EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized that the drone wall would require technologies such as radar, acoustic sensors, signal jammers, interceptors, and conventional artillery. Poland had to spend billions of dollars on missiles to counter inexpensive drones, and Denmark lacks a ground-based air defense system. The initiative also presents challenges regarding coordination with NATO and defense policy. Russia’s aggressive actions have prompted the EU to enhance its own security measures.