EU Aims for 2027 Anti-Drone Defense System to Counter Russian Threats

Fri Oct 17 2025 02:53:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

European leaders set a target for a cutting-edge anti-drone defense system to be operational by 2027, in response to growing threats from Russia as they prepare for the potential escalation of conflict.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced plans for a comprehensive anti-drone system set to be fully operational by the end of 2027. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the EU's defenses against potential Russian aggression, with an emphasis on readiness by 2030. As tensions escalate between Russia and EU member states, the urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities has become a priority.

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 a drive to strengthen defenses against Russia and ensure readiness for potential conflict by 2030.

With drones increasingly redefining modern warfare, Kallas emphasized that having effective drone defenses is no longer optional, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

The European Commission's defense roadmap includes proposals for bolstering the EU's eastern borders and developing European air and space shields in response to multiple security challenges.

Recent intelligence reports suggest that Russia may continue its aggressive posturing even after the Ukraine conflict concludes, prompting EU leaders to enhance their defensive measures.

Kallas remarked, Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. It is clear we need to toughen our defenses against Russia.

As tensions rise, multiple EU nations have already expressed support for a multi-layered drone defense strategy aimed at detecting, tracking, and neutralizing Russian drones swiftly. This follows several reported incursions into the airspace of Eastern European countries, bringing the need for a consolidated defense posture to the forefront.

The upcoming leaders' summit next week will be pivotal, as member states will review and need to approve the defense roadmap, which aims to enable the EU to respond effectively to crisis situations, including high-intensity conflicts, by 2030.