EU Plans Anti-Drone Defense System by 2027 in Response to Russian Threats

Tue Oct 21 2025 19:50:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a strategic move to bolster its defenses against potential Russian aggression, the European Union has set a target to have an anti-drone system fully operational by 2027, amidst rising tensions and security concerns.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced a new initiative aiming to implement a comprehensive anti-drone defense system by the end of 2027. This development is a part of a larger defense plan addressing increasing fears of Russian incursions into EU airspace, particularly following incidents involving Russian drones in Poland and Romania. The proposed roadmap emphasizes readiness by 2030 and calls for enhanced security measures along the EU's eastern borders to deter potential threats.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has announced that a new anti-drone system should be fully operational by the end of 2027 as part of a strategy to strengthen defenses against Russia and prepare for potential conflicts by 2030.

Drones are already redefining warfare. Having drone defenses is no longer optional for anyone, Kallas stated, highlighting the ongoing war in Ukraine and the perceived risks of Moscow attacking EU nations.

The European Commission's defense roadmap also includes plans to fortify the EU's eastern borders, alongside constructing air and space shields.

Several EU member states have experienced Russian drones breaching their airspace, prompting calls for enhanced defense measures. Kallas emphasized that the risks would persist even after the Ukraine conflict concludes.

The EU's defense initiative coincides with growing concerns about Russia's ambitions, particularly as tensions escalated following reports of Russian incursions in the airspace of Poland and Romania, both NATO allies.

Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. It is clear we need to toughen our defenses against Russia, Kallas reiterated.

The roadmap will be deliberated at the upcoming leaders' summit, with many EU nations already expressing support for establishing a multi-layered defense system against drone threats. This initiative aims to augment NATO's capabilities in safeguarding member states, particularly those on the eastern front.

The EU has committed to collaborating closely with NATO to avoid duplicating efforts, reinforcing that this defensive strategy is essential for preserving peace and preventing further aggression.