EU Nations Discuss Developing Unified Anti-Drone Defense System
(MENAFN) In response to a surge in Russian air incursions, European Union countries held their inaugural discussions on Thursday to devise a unified anti-drone defense strategy. The meeting was marked by a strong push from European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius, who underscored that “the Eastern Flank Watch, with the ‘Drone Wall’ as its core, will serve all of Europe."
Defense ministers from Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania participated in the virtual talks, with Hungary, Slovakia, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and the Danish Council Presidency also in attendance. Ukraine joined the session separately, with NATO observing the discussions.
In a statement after the meeting in Helsinki, Kubilius condemned Russia’s repeated violations of EU airspace, calling them “unacceptable” and warning that the actions were part of an effort by Russia to "test" both the EU and NATO. He stressed that the response must be "firm, united, and immediate."
Kubilius outlined that the proposed defense system would feature advanced detection and interception technologies, ground-based defense measures, maritime security in both the Baltic and Black Seas, and space-based situational awareness. The initiative will also integrate Ukraine’s battlefield insights. He added that a detailed technical roadmap and financial plan would be developed with the support of national experts, with political approval set to be sought at the European Council meeting on October 23-24.
“Today's meeting was a milestone -- now we focus on delivery,” a senior EU official commented.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen described the meeting as “a valuable starting point,” emphasizing the need for comprehensive analysis on “concrete next steps,” particularly around drone detection, countermeasures, and command capabilities. Hakkanen further noted that collaboration with NATO was critical and expressed confidence that this cooperation was on the right path.
The urgent talks follow a series of drone-related airspace violations or disruptions reported by several EU states, including Poland, Romania, Latvia, Estonia, Norway, and Denmark—many of which have been traced back to Russia.
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