Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Munich Airport Shuts After Drone Sightings as EU Pushes New Air Defense Measures

Divisions over scope, funding and attribution complicate a rapid, unified response.

Overview

  • Munich’s main airport suspended operations late Thursday after multiple unidentified drones were reported, canceling 17 departures, diverting 15 arrivals and disrupting travel for about 3,000 passengers before flights resumed early Friday.
  • Following two days of meetings in Copenhagen, EU leaders prioritized four projects—space surveillance, eastern‑flank reinforcement, missile defense and anti‑drone systems—with the Commission opening around €150 billion in loan lines to accelerate capabilities.
  • President Emmanuel Macron said Europe is in a confrontation with Russia and warned that drones violating European airspace can be destroyed, reinforcing a tougher operational posture discussed at the summit.
  • Germany announced a common anti‑drone center and is preparing legal changes to let its armed forces shoot down intruding drones, responding to recent swarms reported over northern states and critical sites.
  • Financing and feasibility remain contentious as Brussels proposes leveraging frozen Russian assets for a large Ukraine loan and several leaders question a continent‑wide ‘drone wall,’ while the Kremlin denies responsibility and ridicules European accusations.