Brussels: The European Commission has announced a significant expansion of its original plan to erect a “drone wall” along the EU's eastern frontier. According to multiple EU officials and a diplomat speaking to Reuters, the Commission is now proposing a broader "European Drone Defense Initiative" aimed at safeguarding the entire continent against aerial threats.
The revised strategy will be formally presented as part of a "defense readiness roadmap" scheduled for release on Thursday, October 16. This roadmap will outline measures to strengthen Europe’s collective defense capabilities and provide a coordinated response to emerging drone-related security challenges.
Officials emphasized that the new initiative goes beyond the earlier concept, which focused narrowly on the eastern border. The broader approach reflects growing concern over airspace violations and potential threats that could affect multiple EU member states, not just those on the periphery.
While specific details remain under wraps, the initiative is expected to include technological upgrades, enhanced surveillance measures, and collaborative efforts among EU nations. The Commission’s move underscores the EU's determination to fortify its defenses in a rapidly evolving security landscape marked by increasingly sophisticated unmanned aerial systems.
Analysts suggest that this step could serve as a blueprint for future continental defense strategies, signaling a shift toward a more unified and technologically advanced approach to aerial security across Europe.