Europe's Defense Initiative: EU Aims for Anti-Drone Readiness by 2027

Fri Oct 17 2025 05:44:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The EU is advancing plans for a comprehensive anti-drone system to bolster defenses against potential Russian aggression, targeting full operational capability by the end of 2027.

Amid ongoing tensions with Russia, the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced a strategy for a multi-layered defense system against drones, set to be operational by 2027. This initiative comes in response to increasing military threats from Russia and aims to enhance EU security ahead of possible conflicts by 2030. The defense roadmap also includes plans for strengthening eastern borders and developing air defense capabilities.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said a planned anti-drone system should be fully operational by the end of 2027, as part of a drive to toughen defences against Russia and be fully prepared for possible conflict by 2030.

Drones are already redefining warfare. Having drone defences no longer optional for anyone, Kallas said, referring to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and fears that Moscow may attack the EU.

The defence roadmap by the European Commission also proposes strengthening the EU's eastern borders and creating European air and space shields.

Several European countries have faced repeated incursions into their airspace, and US President Donald Trump has urged the EU to do more to defend itself.

Several Western intelligence agencies have warned that Russia could continue its westward aggression after the war in Ukraine is over. Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. It is clear we need to toughen our defences against Russia, Kallas told reporters in Brussels.

Kallas noted that although there seems little chance of the war ending soon, Trump was due to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.

The EU’s roadmap shows major milestones to achieve defense readiness by 2030, enabling them to deter Russian aggression, prevent war, and preserve peace. The 27-member union should be ready to respond to any crisis, including high-intensity conflict. They also aim to close critical capability gaps in air and missile defense and artillery systems through joint development and procurement.

The defence roadmap is pending approval by member states at a leaders summit next week. However, multiple EU states have expressed support for a multi-layered drone wall to detect, track, and eliminate Russian drones.

Escalating tensions, indicated by recent incursions of Russian drones into Polish and Romanian airspace, reflect the urgency of enhancing defense measures. Additionally, Estonia has sought consultations with NATO regarding violations of its airspace by Russian warplanes.

Russia continues to assert that its air operations comply with international standards, while many EU politicians remain concerned about Russia testing NATO’s resolve. In response, several NATO members have bolstered their eastern front with military deployments.