EU to build anti-drone shield by 2027 amid Russia tensions
The European Union (EU) is planning a so-called 'anti-drone shield' to be fully operational by 2027, the European Commission has confirmed.
The announcement comes after multiple incidents involving Russian drones violating European airspace.
The guidelines for the renamed project, European Drone Defence Initiative (EDDI), are scheduled to be presented on Thursday. The EU decided to create the defence system in September, following several incursions by Russian drones into European airspace.
NATO's response to the violation of Polish airspace by about 20 drones on 9 September highlighted gaps in the allied arsenal against such threats. Allies had to use costly missiles to shoot down three drones.
The EU intends to leverage Ukraine's experience, gained since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, to implement a more adapted and cost-effective anti-drone system. Ukrainians already possess industrial production capabilities for both drones and drone interceptors, which are unique in Europe, and have promised to assist Brussels in this effort.
A drone detection system with ground and satellite sensors is expected to be installed next year. Tracking and interception capabilities will be added by 2027, starting with the countries on the Union's eastern flank, those closest to the Russian border.
The initiative, which will be made public on Thursday, is part of a five-year programme to strengthen Europe's defence capacity, alongside other major projects including air defence. The "roadmap" leading up to 2030 will be presented to heads of state and government at next week's EU summit in Brussels.
Several countries, including Germany, have criticised the ‘anti-drone shield’. Concerns include high costs, potential overlap with NATO’s remit, and the European Commission’s involvement in the defence sector, where each EU member state is sovereign.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
