European Defense Strategies: Building the ‘Drone Wall’ at the EU Border and Coordinated Action Among Countries
On Sunday, September 26, a significant virtual conference brought together defense ministers from ten European Union countries, along with representatives from Ukraine and NATO, to discuss the development of a so-called ‘drone wall’ within the broader framework of a project called ‘Eastern Flank Watch.’ This innovative measure aims to reinforce border security, especially in the east of the EU, where security tensions remain heightened.
Defense ministers from Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and their colleagues from Hungary, Slovakia, and Denmark—representing the EU Council presidency—agreed on key points for implementing this ambitious initiative.
The ‘drone wall’ is considered one element of a comprehensive strategy comprising three parts: ground border protection, maritime defenses (a ‘sea wall’ to prevent provocations from the sea), and the aerial ‘drone wall,’ which will form a crucial component of the defense network.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal shared invaluable combat experience, gaining attention and support among participants.
European Defense Commissioner Andrus Kubilius emphasized that all parties had taken a significant step forward, moving from discussions to concrete actions and agreements.
They identified the ‘Eastern Flank Watch’ with its core in the ‘drone wall’ as key to enhancing member states’ defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s role as a trusted partner with proven combat experience was highlighted.
NATO observers participated, reaffirming the importance of regional unity in security matters.
Earlier, Kubilius called for urgent development of the ‘drone wall’ in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace.
According to sources, the EU plans to utilize cutting-edge technologies that have proven effective in Ukraine when building this system.
Despite the complexity and time required to establish a fully operational drone countermeasure network, initial steps toward strengthening defenses have already been taken—dependant on close cooperation among EU member states and NATO.