The European Union is set to establish a “drone wall” along the bloc’s eastern defences to counter recent incursions by Russian drones and fighter jets.
Following a meeting of defence ministers from 10 central and eastern European countries, along with Ukraine, Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defence, confirmed that the drone wall would protect European airspace and become a key element of the EU’s defence strategy.
The move comes after several countries recently reported violations of their airspace by Russian drones, including Denmark, which was forced to close several airports after unidentified drones were detected.
Kubilius stressed the urgency of deploying an effective detection system, including radars, acoustic sensors and weapons capable of shooting down drones.
He said: “If you are using air fighters and air missiles to shoot the drone, then you are using a missile that costs €1m to destroy a drone that costs €10,000.“
The Kremlin, for its part, described as “reckless” the idea of Europe shooting down Russian fighter jets, despite suggestions made by Donald Trump.
