Explained: EU's Proposed 'Drone Wall' Defense System Against Russian Air Incursions

EU wants to work with Ukraine, which has deep expertise in tackling Russian drones. (Representational)

European Union leaders are currently exploring the implementation of a "drone wall" defense system following notable air intrusions by Russia.

However, the concept appears to have varying interpretations among different nations, and consensus on the approach is not universal.

Here's an overview of the current situation: The initial proposal for an "Eastern Shield" came from EU chief Ursula von der Leyen shortly after Russian drones violated Polish airspace last month.

While specifics were limited, the preliminary plan clearly aimed at strengthening the EU's eastern boundary against potential threats from Moscow.

Baltic states, feeling particularly vulnerable to Russian aggression, have been advocating for enhanced anti-drone defense capabilities.

"It is fundamentally an anti-drone system capable of quick detection, interception and neutralization if necessary," explained European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The project gained broader attention following mysterious drone incidents over Denmark that forced airport closures.

These events highlighted Europe's vulnerability to drone threats even in regions distant from the bloc's eastern borders.

Denmark participated in an initial defense ministers' meeting last week to discuss the initiative.

Some skeptics of the project argued that the term "wall" creates an impression of an exclusively eastern flank-focused defense.

"The name matters less than its effectiveness," remarked Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

She indicated that discussions centered more on developing a comprehensive "ecosystem" that could address threats from various directions.

"While the eastern flank deserves focus due to its proximity to Russia, we're taking a more comprehensive approach," she stated.

The EU has expressed interest in collaboration with Ukraine, which has developed significant expertise in countering Russian drones throughout nearly four years of conflict.

"We stand ready to share our experience with our partners," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Thursday.

Ukraine has established an extensive sensor network and cost-effective methods for neutralizing Russian drones in an ongoing technological race with Moscow.

"Technology evolves so rapidly that no single solution can address all our challenges," noted Frederiksen.

Officials caution that despite Brussels' ambitious rhetoric, comprehensive continental protection will likely remain elusive.

"I'm sometimes cautious about hasty terminology: do European iron domes or drone walls truly exist?" questioned French President Emmanuel Macron.

"The reality is more sophisticated and complex."

As with many EU initiatives, funding remains a critical consideration.

Economic powerhouses like Germany, currently focused on strengthening their own defenses, are reluctant to bear the financial burden for other member states.

The EU has recently introduced a 150-billion-euro loan program, primarily utilized by eastern European countries.

However, some eastern nations argue that since they effectively shield the rest of Europe from Russia, the financial responsibility should be shared collectively.

"We need some form of joint procurement and possibly common mechanisms for sharing the burden with the Eastern border," Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told AFP.

While concrete cost estimates remain unavailable, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius suggested the project would require "several billion euros, not hundreds of billions."

Questions have also arisen regarding the EU's leadership role in this initiative.

Though the 27-nation bloc has increased its defense coordination efforts, serious concerns exist about whether it is optimally positioned to manage such a project.

NATO has traditionally been the forum for such security discussions and maintains primary responsibility for deterring Russia.

However, with uncertainties surrounding US commitment to Europe under President Donald Trump, the EU has been assuming greater security responsibilities.

Following discussions among EU leaders in Copenhagen this week, the initiative received approval to continue development.

The responsibility now returns to von der Leyen's European Commission.

Brussels has been tasked with further research and presenting a concrete proposal before another EU leaders' meeting in Brussels three weeks from now.

"That will be decision time," stated European Council chief Antonio Costa.