What Europe’s ‘drone wall’ means for defence against Russia

EU moves to defend airspace

The European Union is moving ahead with plans to build what leaders are calling a “drone wall” — a joint defence system to detect and repel unmanned aircraft entering its eastern airspace. The proposal follows a string of Russian drone incursions into Poland, Romania, and Estonia that have raised fresh alarms over European security, the New York Times reported.

How the plan came about

The idea gained traction after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floated the concept in her state of the union speech last month. Her call coincided with the latest Russian drone violation of Polish skies, underscoring the urgency. Soon after, officials from nine frontline nations — including Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Finland — met to discuss how to coordinate surveillance and defence measures.

What the drone wall would look like

The “wall” is not a physical barrier but a digital and military shield. It would likely combine radar, jammers, acoustic sensors, and advanced tracking systems linked across national borders, backed by intelligence sharing. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has described it as “timely and necessary,” stressing that expensive missiles cannot be the long-term answer to drones that cost only a fraction of that price.

Why Europe feels the urgency

The plan comes at a time when Russia is channelling nearly 7 percent of its GDP into defence spending while rapidly expanding its military ranks. With uncertainty over U.S. security commitments under President Trump, European leaders want to show they are capable of acting decisively. Still, defence experts say time is critical: drones have already caused damage in Poland, and delays could expose vulnerabilities along the bloc’s eastern flank.

Challenges and costs ahead

Despite the urgency, scepticism remains. Germany’s defence minister has cautioned against raising expectations, warning that the project cannot be fully operational within just a few years. Financing is another open question. Some member states, like Poland and Estonia, are pressing for grants and subsidies from Brussels, while others are cautious about how deeply the EU budget should be stretched.

The road ahead

The project will be discussed further at an EU leaders’ meeting in Copenhagen, where details on funding and timelines may become clearer. For now, the “drone wall” remains more a symbol of Europe’s determination than a finished defence structure. Its success will depend on whether governments can quickly overcome political, financial, and technological hurdles to deliver real protection along the eastern frontier.