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EU Warns of Russian Gray‑Zone Drone Campaign, Prepares Defense Roadmap

Brussels will deliver a two‑week defense roadmap focused on counter‑drone systems, including a proposed 'drone wall,' despite investigators saying responsibility remains unproven.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen delivers her statement on EU response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States' airspace and critical infrastructure, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France. (AP Photo/Pascal Bastien)
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European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, right, gets a gift for her birthday before delivering her statement on EU response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States' airspace and critical infrastructure, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France. (AP Photo/Pascal Bastien)
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen delivers her statement on EU response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States' airspace and critical infrastructure, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France. (AP Photo/Pascal Bastien)

Overview

  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers that Russia is mounting a targeted gray‑zone campaign involving drone overflights, sabotage and cyberattacks, urging swift attribution and upgraded air defenses.
  • Her plan centers on an affordable anti‑drone network — the so‑called drone wall — with a roadmap due to EU leaders in two weeks and an emphasis on keeping at least 65% of EU‑funded defense work in Europe.
  • Political splits persist as major states push back on ceding control to Brussels, while France’s Emmanuel Macron advocates shooting down intruding drones and boarding sanction‑busting shadow‑fleet tankers.
  • Airports continue to face disruptions, with Munich canceling about 170 flights on Oct. 4 and deploying police with lasers to deter drones, and Oslo briefly halting traffic after an unverified pilot sighting.
  • Attribution remains uncertain: Germany’s Friedrich Merz and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof say Russia is likely responsible but unproven, the Kremlin denies involvement, and a CEPA report maps 40+ recent incursions concentrated on NATO’s most staunch Russia critics.