EU prepares four defense projects to counter Russia, including drone wall

The report states that European countries received the document ahead of an informal meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen, where defense and further support for Ukraine will be discussed.

The document mentions the creation of a drone wall as well as three other projects:

• Eastern Flank Watch – detection of threats, including hybrid operations and drone incursions;

• Air Defense Shield – a joint EU project aimed at strengthening air and missile defense capabilities;

• Defense Space Shield – supporting the bloc's competitiveness in the space sector to monitor threats.

European leaders convened following recent violations of the airspace of Poland, Romania, Denmark, and Norway, as well as Russian aircraft over Estonia.

To receive funding for implementation, all projects must be approved unanimously by the relevant committee. This means even countries far from the Russian threat will have to contribute financially.

"The projects will be open to all member countries and could be at least partially financed by the €1.5 billion European Defense Industrial Programme, which is still being negotiated," the report notes.

It is currently unclear when the drone wall will be ready. Politico reports that an agreement between the countries and other EU entities, including the European Defense Agency, is expected to be reached by spring 2026.

The Lithuanian authorities plan to allocate €500 million in the coming years to enhance their air defense system, while acknowledging that even this will not guarantee 100% protection of the country's airspace.

Joint exercises called Wings of Defense have begun in Denmark, where Ukrainian troops are working alongside Danish forces to practice repelling drone attacks.