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Defense ministers from several European Union countries are holding urgent talks on a “drone wall” after Russian drones allegedly violated Polish and Romanian airspace in recent days. Unauthorized drone incursions also forced the closure of airports in Denmark and Norway.
The September 26 video conference – called by EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, which includes several NATO eastern flank states, but also Denmark and Ukraine – aims to coordinate sensors, electronic jamming equipment and rapid response rules, so that small unmanned aircraft (drones) can be detected and neutralized before they threaten European civilian aircraft or critical bases.
Ministers are expected to look at the infrastructure and funding required for an effective anti-drone defence system, following a number of high-profile drone incidents in recent weeks.
On September 9-10, nearly 20 Russian drones reportedly entered Polish airspace during attacks in Ukraine, forcing Polish authorities to close an airport and NATO to scramble aircraft.
A few days later, Romania reported a similar incursion near the Danube Delta.
On September 22, drones forced the closure of Copenhagen Airport for several hours and also briefly closed the main aviation hub in Oslo. Later, other drone sightings caused disruptions at airports in the Danish cities of Aalborg and Billund, and drones were seen near military buildings.
Witnesses said the drones had flashing green lights, and authorities described the activities as "hybrid" in nature, adding that they were likely coordinated, although they did not say who was behind them.
Western officials believe Moscow is behind this behavior, describing it as a type of “gray zone” or hybrid warfare. By deploying cheap drones to cause disruptions to airports and air bases, Russia can provoke costly defensive responses, unsettle civilians, and test the West’s defenses. And it can do all of this without starting an open conflict.
Danish and regional media have reported that the Russian Ropucha-class ship Aleksandr Shabalin was filmed by a helicopter standing about 12 kilometers off the Danish island of Langeland during a wave of drone incursions in Scandinavia. The ship reportedly had its transponder turned off.
Publicly, officials have not linked the ship to the incursions, but the timing and proximity have raised suspicions that there may have been drone launches from the sea as well.
Experts say Europe's civil and military airspace is vulnerable.
Drones, which are in the consumer class, can be launched from land or sea outside protected areas, and can then temporarily enter corridors or fly over airports or air bases and cause disruptions: aircraft diversions, delays, security concerns, even if the drones are not carrying explosives./ REL
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