NATO Ministers Meet as EU Readies 'Drone Wall' Plan for 2027

Overview

• Defense ministers in Brussels are weighing proposals to simplify protocols and give commanders greater flexibility to respond to Russian drone incursions.
• The European Commission will present on Thursday its European Initiative for Drones, targeting EU-wide detection starting next year and full tracking and interception capability by 2027.
• Initial deployment would concentrate on the EU’s eastern flank near Russia before expanding to the rest of the bloc.
• Kyiv has offered support as the EU looks to draw on Ukraine’s experience in drone production and interceptor technology.
• Recent incidents included about 20 Russian drones entering Polish airspace in September, prompting three shootdowns, plus a 12-minute incursion by three Russian MiGs over Estonia and reports over Danish airports and bases.