"The repeated violations of our airspace are unacceptable. The message is clear: Russia is testing the EU and NATO. And our response must be firm, united and immediate, EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said after chairing a virtual meeting of 10 countries on Europe's eastern flank on Friday. Kubilius, who called the meeting a milestone, said the drone shield could take a year to build, and that envoys from the countries would meet soon to develop a detailed conceptual and technical roadmap for the path ahead."
"EU officials say that within the first year, a network of sensors will be developed to better spot drone incursions. The longer-term plan is to build the capabilities to intercept drones. When drones were detected in Polish airspace earlier this month, NATO jets scrambled to shoot them down with expensive missiles. Ukraine, which has developed cheaper ways to down drones amid its ongoing war with Russia, also attended the EU talks on Friday."
"Earlier this week, Denmark closed some of its airports after drones were flown near them, with the country's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warning that hybrid attacks were becoming more frequent. Although Danish authorities have not concluded their investigations, Frederiksen stressed that Russia was currently the primary threat to European security. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the drone incidents in Poland and Denmark."
EU defence ministers agreed to develop a drone wall along borders with Russia and Ukraine to detect, track and intercept airspace violations. The immediate priority is an effective detection system, with officials planning a network of sensors within the first year and interception capabilities thereafter. Envoys will meet to produce a conceptual and technical roadmap, and the project could take about a year to start operating. Recent drone incursions prompted airport closures in Denmark and NATO jets scrambled over Poland, increasing concerns about Russian testing and prompting coordinated EU and NATO responses.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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