On Friday 26 September, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, explained that the implementation of the “drone wall, with advanced detection, tracking, and interception capabilities”, was “an immediate priority”. Earlier in the week, Mr Kubilius had stated that he hoped it would be implemented within a year.
This drone wall “is the heart” of the ‘Eastern Flank Watch’ as proposed by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in her State of the Union address. It will also include land-based defences such as anti-mobility systems, maritime security in the Baltic and Black Seas and space-based situational awareness (see EUROPE 13706/3).
“At the meeting (on Friday), we agreed to move from concept to concrete actions”, explained Mr Kubilius at the end of a high-level videoconference with the defence ministers of the so-called ‘front-line’ countries – Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. Also in attendance for this first session were Denmark in its capacity as President of the EU Council, the EU High Representative, and representatives of NATO and Ukraine, during which the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Denys Shmyhal, shared his country’s expertise.
The Commissioner explained that detection capabilities would be needed since the current systems, which detect combat aircraft or missiles, experience greater difficulties with drones. “We need radar, acoustic sensors, etc.”, he said.
In addition to detection, Mr Kubilius stressed the need for effective means of destroying drones that penetrate European airspace, citing in particular ‘electronic warfare’ using the electromagnetic spectrum to jam drones or interceptors. He added that traditional conventional artillery could be used, but at a cost.
“We must look to the future, because it is publicly reported that some countries and industries are beginning to seek entirely new tools, such as lasers to combat drones. If that technology becomes available, we must be ready to use it as well”, he added, noting that a large amount of equipment was currently available on the market.
The subject of the ‘drone wall’ is due to be discussed at the informal summit in Copenhagen on 1 October, followed by a discussion at the European Council at the end of October. “We will define a detailed technical roadmap with national experts. We will mobilise the European defence industry and build a comprehensive EU financial toolbox to make this shield a reality”, explained the Commissioner. He noted that either the SAFE instrument or the EDIP programme could be used. At the moment, the estimated price of the drone wall remains unknown.
The wall could be included in the Readiness 2030 ‘roadmap’, due to be presented in mid-October by the European Commission and the High Representative. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)