NATO, EU Boost Anti-Drone Defences

Officials reported Wednesday that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU) are accelerating joint efforts to bolster Europe’s anti-drone defences in response to escalating drone threats from Russia and recent high-profile air incursions.

Recent incidents in Poland and Estonia have prompted European leaders to accelerate measures to plug gaps in the continent’s defences.

NATO has launched a new mission and reinforced forces along its eastern border while also drawing on Ukraine’s experience to address the evolving drone threat from Moscow.

Alliance head Mark Rutte said NATO is now “testing integrated systems that will help us detect, track and neutralise aerial threats” along its eastern flank.

Meanwhile, the EU is considering the creation of a “drone wall” to bolster its own defences. A road map was presented to EU ministers on Wednesday, with approval expected at a leaders’ summit next week.

Brussels aims to have the drone project fully operational by the end of 2027, although some member states remain sceptical, worried it may overlap with NATO’s work.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasised that the initiative is intended to complement NATO efforts, not duplicate them, and noted that drones now pose a potential threat across the bloc, not just on the eastern frontier.

In addition to bolstering Europe’s defences, NATO is supporting Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia. Rutte said around ten more member countries had pledged to contribute to a US-led scheme supplying American weapons to Kyiv.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged further contributions, declaring, “Now is the time for all NATO countries to turn words into action. No free riders.”

Hegseth also warned that if short-term peace remains unattainable, the US and its allies will take steps to “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression.”

Discussions include the potential provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, a move opposed by Moscow, although US President Donald Trump has signalled possible support to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin towards negotiations.

Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmygal said Kyiv hopes US contributions under the current initiative will total $12 to $20 billion next year, with overall support from international backers potentially reaching $60 billion in 2026.

Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.