Multiple Eastern European Union (EU) nations have agreed to develop a "drone wall" to fortify the bloc's eastern border against Russian incursions.
The decision follows a series of drone and aircraft violations in recent weeks that prompted urgent talks among member states. The initiative, also referred to as "Eastern Flank Watch," aims to create a comprehensive, multi-layered defense system. 

Participating countries

EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius convened a virtual meeting with defense ministers from ten countries to move discussions toward "concrete actions". 

• Eastern Flank: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania.
• Other participants: Denmark, Hungary, and Slovakia.
• Ukraine and NATO: Representatives from Ukraine and NATO also participated, with Ukraine offering expertise from its counter-drone experience. 

Key defense capabilities

The drone wall will combine various technologies to detect, track, and neutralize drones. 

• Detection: A network of radars, acoustic sensors, and other technologies will be used to detect incoming threats, including low-flying drones.
• Interception: Capabilities to fight back against drones include:
  • Electronic warfare (EW), such as jammers
  • Interceptor drones
  • Classic anti-aircraft artillery
  • Future-looking laser systems 

Funding and development

• Increased urgency: While some Baltic states and Poland were already pursuing similar projects, recent incursions prompted the EU to increase the initiative's urgency. An earlier funding request from Estonia and Lithuania was rejected by the European Commission, but its position has since changed.
• Funding discussions: An EU official told Reuters that funding discussions are expected to be "intensive" during EU heads of state and government meetings in October 2025. The EU has also allocated €6 billion for a drone alliance with Ukraine.
• Ukrainian expertise: EU officials have cited Ukraine's ingenuity and experience in fighting Russia's drones as a blueprint for the European system. 

Context for the initiative

• Airspace violations: The decision follows multiple incidents, including dozens of drones breaching Polish airspace and fighter jets entering Estonian airspace, along with drone activity near Danish airports.
• Cost asymmetry: Officials have noted the high cost of using expensive missiles to shoot down relatively cheap drones. The new system is intended to provide a more cost-effective defense. 

Project timeline

• EU Defense Commissioner Kubilius said the drone shield could take a year to build, though he cautioned that the estimate was optimistic.
• The first priority is to develop an "effective detection system". 

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