EU Announces Anti-Drone Defense System by 2027 Amid Rising Russian Tensions

Fri Oct 17 2025 00:37:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As threats from Russia persist, the European Union plans to establish a comprehensive anti-drone defense system by the end of 2027, aimed at enhancing security and readiness against possible future conflicts.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that an anti-drone system should be operational by 2027, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen European defenses against increasing threats from Russia. The plan includes the development of a 'drone wall' and enhancement of the EU's eastern borders, reflecting the ongoing concerns about aerial incursions from Russian forces. With support from various EU states, the defense roadmap aims for readiness against high-intensity conflict by 2030.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has stated that a planned anti-drone system should be fully operational by the end of 2027 as part of a push to bolster defenses against Russia and prepare for potential conflicts by 2030.

With the ever-evolving landscape of warfare defined by drones, Kallas emphasized that drone defenses are now critical. Drones are already redefining warfare. Having drone defenses is no longer optional for anyone, she said, referencing the ongoing war in Ukraine and apprehensions about possible Russian aggression towards the EU.

The European Commission's defense roadmap further proposes fortifying the EU's eastern borders and establishing comprehensive air and space shields. Several European nations have experienced frequent airspace incidents, prompting calls for enhanced security measures. U.S. President Donald Trump has also encouraged the EU to heighten its defense capabilities.

Amid repeated alerts from Western intelligence agencies about Russia's continued westward ambitions, Kallas warned that the dangers will not diminish with the end of the Ukraine war, stating, It is clear we need to toughen our defenses against Russia. While there are no immediate signs of the conflict ceasing, Trump was expected to hold discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming at a resolution.

Alongside Kallas, European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius asserted, Our roadmap shows all the major milestones to achieve defense readiness by 2030, allowing us to deter Russian aggression, prevent war, and sustain peace. The EU aims to close significant capability gaps, particularly in air and missile defense, and artillery systems through collaborative development and procurement.

Many EU countries are also NATO members, and recent statements from NATO’s chief indicate a joint effort to safeguard the alliance's eastern borders. The EU reassured that its defense initiatives would coordinate closely with NATO projects to prevent redundancy. Although costs have not been finalized, Kubilius remarked that the funding would not require hundreds of billions.

Currently, the defense roadmap awaits approval from member states at an upcoming leaders' summit. Support for a multi-layered drone defense system has emerged from several EU nations, with plans for a drone wall designed to swiftly detect, track, and neutralize Russian drone threats.

The geopolitical climate has intensified recently, particularly after reports of Russian drones breaching Polish and Romanian airspace. Estonia has also sought prompt consultations with NATO members after similar incursions, highlighting the delicate security situation in Eastern Europe.

Russia, which initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, claims its operations are consistent with international aviation regulations.

As tensions escalate, many analysts suggest that Russia’s maneuvers are meant to test NATO's resolve and sow discord within the alliance, prompting NATO members to scatter troops and defensive systems to reinforce eastern borders and secure critical regions.