EU Advances 'Drone Wall' Initiative to Protect Eastern Flank Airspace
The European Union has unveiled its plans to advance the "Eastern Flank Watch" defense initiative, which includes the installation of a sophisticated "drone wall" to safeguard EU airspace against repeated breaches, primarily from Russian drones.
This announcement was made during a video conference that included Defence Ministers from frontline EU countries—Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania—as well as representatives from Hungary and Slovakia. High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, the Danish Council Presidency, and NATO observers were also present. Ukraine's Defence Minister, Denys Shmyhal, contributed battlefield-tested insights to the discussions.
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius underscored the significance of the drone wall, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art detection, tracking, and interception technologies. "The daily violations of EU airspace are intolerable. Russia is testing the resolve of the EU and NATO. Our response must be strong, unified, and swift," he stated.
| Immediate deployment of the Drone Wall | Sophisticated detection and interception systems |
| Ground defences | Anti-mobility systems |
| Maritime security | Baltic and Black Seas |
| Space-based situational awareness | Real-time monitoring |
Kubilius highlighted the EU's transition from discussions to tangible actions, stressing the need to secure political consensus, develop a technical roadmap, mobilize the defense industry, and utilize the EU’s financial resources.
This initiative follows recent drone incursions that have disrupted air traffic. Denmark reported drone sightings near Copenhagen and Aalborg airports, which led to flight diversions, while Oslo airport in Norway limited operations to one runway. Additionally, Poland and Romania deployed fighter jets to intercept drones that infiltrated their airspace, raising concerns amid Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kubilius emphasized the inefficiency of using high-value missiles to down low-cost drones, pointing out the necessity for specialized drone interception systems.
The EU is expected to engage in detailed discussions about funding and operational logistics in October. Reports suggest that interest-free loans to Ukraine could be funded by immobilized Russian assets, although no official funding details have been disclosed.
The Eastern Flank Watch, with the drone wall as a central element, marks a significant stride in the EU’s efforts to protect its airspace and bolster collective security amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe.
