EU Plans Comprehensive Anti-Drone Defense by 2027 Amid Ongoing Russian Threat

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:56:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The European Union aims to have an operational anti-drone system by the end of 2027, bolstering defenses against potential Russian aggressions and addressing emerging threats related to drone warfare.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced plans for a new anti-drone system to be fully operational by 2027. This initiative, part of a broader defense roadmap, aims to strengthen the EU's military readiness against potential future conflicts, particularly in light of ongoing Russian activities and threats across European borders. The roadmap emphasizes the importance of drone defense and cooperative measures among EU nations and NATO.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has stated that a planned anti-drone system should be fully operational by the end of 2027, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance defenses against Russia and prepare for potential conflict by 2030.

Drones are already redefining warfare. Having drone defenses is no longer optional for anyone, Kallas remarked, highlighting the implications of Russia's war in Ukraine and associated threats to the EU.

The European Commission's 'defense roadmap' includes proposals to fortify the EU's eastern borders and establish comprehensive air and space defenses. President Trump has previously urged the EU to take significant steps in self-defense.

Despite warnings from multiple intelligence agencies that Russia could expand its aggressive stance post-conflict in Ukraine, Kallas emphasized that the need for robust defense measures remains critical.

Alongside Kallas, European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius detailed a roadmap aiming for military readiness by 2030 to deter Russian aggression and ensure peace. Key objectives highlighted include developing capabilities in air and missile defense while working closely with NATO to avoid redundancies.

The roadmap is expected to be approved at an upcoming leaders' summit, with several EU nations already expressing support for a multi-layered 'drone wall' designed to detect and neutralize threats effectively.

In recent weeks, tensions have escalated, with Russian drones reportedly breaching Polish and Romanian airspace, underscoring the urgency for upgraded aerial defenses. NATO members have responded by enhancing military presence in Eastern Europe to counter potential risks from Russia.

}