"Defense ministers from countries on the EU's eastern flank discussed the development of advanced detection, tracking, and interception capabilities at a virtual meeting on September 26. Representatives of Ukraine and NATO also took part. "Russia is testing the EU and NATO, and our response must be firm, united, and immediate," EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius told reporters in Finland after the videoconference."
"Kubilius said participants agreed to move from "discussions to concrete actions" and EU members would examine how to create infrastructure and find funding to "make the shield a reality." 'Today's meeting was a milestone -- now we focus on delivery,' he said, adding that the shield could take a year to build and an 'effective detection system' is the top priority."
EU members agreed to pursue a coordinated 'drone wall' along borders with Russia and Ukraine to develop advanced detection, tracking and interception capabilities after recent incursions. Defense ministers from eastern-flank countries met virtually with representatives of Ukraine and NATO and prioritized creating infrastructure and funding to operationalize the shield, with an effective detection system as the top priority and an estimated year to build. Finland, Poland and the Baltic states have advanced plans despite an earlier EU executive rejection of funding. Recent incidents including Sept. 10 Polish airspace breaches and Sept. 22 airport closures have increased urgency.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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