Overview

• An internal European Commission draft reported by Bloomberg rebrands the regional 'drone wall' into a continent‑wide European Drone Defence network slated to launch in 2026.
• The plan outlines up to €1 billion in funding for defence projects and retains the Eastern Vigil programme, with separate reporting indicating a target for full functionality by the end of 2027.
• Officials say the blueprint remains provisional and could change before publication expected on 16 October.
• Reuters reporting highlights political hurdles, with southern and western EU states arguing the concept overemphasizes the eastern border and with Germany and France reluctant to cede control of major defence projects to the Commission.
• The original initiative by Germany, Poland, Finland and the Baltic states is still in development and prototype selection, as EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen call for rapid anti‑drone measures after reported airspace incursions.