EU Proposes 'Drone Wall' for Eastern Border Security

European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, announced on September 19 that he intends to hold consultations with defence ministers next week on creating a "drone wall" along the EU's eastern border. The implementation of the project has become urgent against the backdrop of Russia's drone incursions into Polish territory. Kubilius noted that some European Union countries were already discussing the idea of a drone defence line, and now the EU's executive body wants to make the idea a reality as soon as possible.

Analysts and officials have said the incursion has exposed a gap in Europe's and NATO's capabilities to defend against drones, although Polish and NATO forces shot down several.

"We really want to move forward with very, very intensive and effective preparations to fill that gap, which is really very dangerous for us... as quickly as we can," Kubilius said. He noted that he would hold a videoconference with the defence ministers of Eastern Europe on this project. A representative from Ukraine will also participate in the discussion, who can share the experience of anti-drone warfare gained in the war that began after Russia's 2022 invasion.

"I returned from Kyiv two days ago, and we were talking with both the government and the industry. They want to share their experience and knowledge," the EU Defence Commissioner assured. According to Kubilius, the discussions are still in the initial stages, but he envisions the project as a mixture of sensors, various weapons, and jamming systems that will find and neutralize drones entering EU territory. The high-ranking official has not yet released details about the cost and timeline of the project.