In response to persistent Russian airspace violations, the European Union (EU) has made a formal announcement regarding the establishment of a ‘drone wall’ along its eastern border. The project aims to both detect and intercept unauthorized drone activity. The project’s first meeting was held on Friday, gathering representatives from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Finland. Ukraine was also included due to its advanced drone technology and the capacity to produce an estimated 4 million drones per year. NATO’s participation was limited to an observer role. The subject will be revisited in Copenhagen next week during an informal gathering of EU leaders.
Numerous drone sightings have been reported in Poland, Romania, Estonia, and Denmark over recent weeks. Poland has seen incursions from 19 Russian drones, while a drone incident at Copenhagen Airport resulted in a four-hour suspension of flights. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledged the possibility of Russian involvement, but stated that no conclusive proof was yet available. The Danish Defence Minister described the incidents as a hybrid attack.
Sweden has offered Denmark a military anti-drone system to be deployed ahead of the forthcoming summit in Copenhagen. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the system’s ability to take down drones. The status of Denmark’s acceptance of the offer is currently unknown.
According to EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, the drone wall initiative necessitates technologies such as radar, acoustic sensors, signal jammers, interceptors, and conventional artillery. Poland has invested billions of dollars in missiles to counter inexpensive drones, and Denmark lacks a ground-based air defense system. The undertaking also presents challenges in terms of cooperation with NATO and defense policy harmonization. The EU has been compelled to augment its own security measures because of Russia’s aggressive actions.