EU leaders back 'drone wall' to counter Moscow airspace violations

New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 2, 2025 04:42 IST

European Union leaders gathered in Copenhagen on Wednesday to approve new plans aimed at strengthening the bloc’s defences against Russian drones. The summit was held just days after a series of drone incursions rattled Denmark and raised alarms across the region. European authorities have accused Russia of violating the airspace of several countries, including drone activity over Poland and fighter jet movements over Estonia, intensifying concerns over European security in the wake of Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

LEADERS HIGHLIGHT GROWING SECURITY CHALLENGES

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, "Europe must be able to defend itself," underlining the urgency felt by EU leaders following the recent events. She added, "We need to strengthen our production of drones, of anti-drone capabilities, and this includes building up a European network of anti-drone measures that can protect and, of course, also neutralize intrusion from outside."

The disruptions in Denmark last week, which affected air traffic at multiple airports, have pushed the EU to accelerate efforts to build a coordinated response to airspace threats. Frederiksen has suggested the incidents could be linked to Moscow, though Denmark has stopped short of direct attribution.

MOVING TOWARDS A EUROPEAN DRONE WALL

The idea of a European "drone wall" has gained traction in recent weeks, with Leyen last month calling for "a network of sensors and weapons to detect, track and neutralise intruding unmanned aircraft - to protect Europe's eastern flank." This proposal was put forward shortly after about 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, an event that exposed gaps in the region’s defences and prompted NATO to deploy fighter jets, helicopters, and a Patriot air defence system, resulting in several drones being shot down.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the drone wall idea as "timely and necessary," and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated, "Russia will continue, and we have to be ready, we have to strengthen our preparedness."

Despite broad support for enhanced collective measures, the European Commission has not yet issued a detailed plan for the creation of the drone wall, leaving questions regarding costs and practical implementation.

The incidents have reinforced the EU’s perception of Russia as a long-term security threat and accelerated efforts to develop effective anti-drone capabilities throughout the bloc. The Commission continues to work with member states to address these challenges as calls for increased European responsibility for security continue, including those from the United States.

- Ends

Tune In