Mysterious drones have been spotted at night at airports across Europe. How worried should we be?
First comes the warning: Your attention please. Air siren in the city. Please move to the shelter on the minus second floor. Then comes the mosquito-like whine of the incoming Russian drones, massing in their hundreds just above the clouds.
This is the grim reality of nighttime in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine. These are attack drones that explode on impact. But now, across Western Europe, unarmed drones have also been reported buzzing around airports, military bases, and power plants, suspected to be part of Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, aimed at testing the vulnerabilities of nations supporting Ukraine.
A wake-up call to Europe
On September 9, approximately 20 Russian drones ventured into Poland, leading to the closure of four airports and prompting NATO to scramble jets. This incident was alarming, marking one of the most serious breaches of NATO airspace since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Such incidents are why discussions about a potential European drone defense system have intensified.
A plague of mysterious drones
Reports indicate that unidentifiable drones have appeared near Brussels, along with similar sightings in Denmark, Norway, and other nations. These drones, although not armed, pose a surveillance risk to military infrastructure and critical facilities, raising concerns in NATO countries.
Western intelligence suspects that Moscow is deploying proxies to execute these incursions, but the Kremlin has denied involvement.
Implications for NATO
The emergence of drone threats has sparked debates on whether NATO should establish a comprehensive aerial defense, often referred to as a drone wall. While this initiative may provide a measure of protection, experts express skepticism about its feasibility and cost-effectiveness amidst varying defense priorities across the continent.
The financial dilemma
The funding for such a defensive initiative may come from an assortment of sources including EU funds, national budgets, and possibly even interest from frozen Russian assets. However, prioritizing this amidst other defense needs remains a contentious issue.
Looking ahead
The challenge now for NATO is how to effectively address the ongoing threat of drone warfare while balancing the financial commitments required for such defense systems. As the conflict endures, the necessity for proactive measures against these modern threats becomes increasingly apparent.
