What Would a 'Drone Wall' to Shield Europe's Borders Look Like?
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It is still an "unanswered question" whether countries running along NATO's eastern flank are prepared to defend against drone attacks, the European Commission's defense and space chief has said.
Lithuania, a Baltic state staring down Russia, should construct a "drone wall" with its neighbors, former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius told the country's LRT broadcaster.
"It's not just about producing or stockpiling drones today," Kubilius said. "We need trained teams ready to rapidly manufacture the necessary number of drones at a moment's notice, tailored to the needs of a drone wall."
Russia's war on Ukraine has changed the drone game, making skillful wielding of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) an absolute must for modern armed forces. On the front lines in Ukraine, drones are being tweaked and upgraded every few weeks.
As drones rapidly evolve, so too must the defenses designed to shield against the threat UAVs, as well as drones in the water or crossing on land, can pose.
An instructor launches a drone during a training course for members of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet's assault units in Primorsky Krai, Russia, on July 15, 2025.
An instructor launches a drone during a training course for members of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet's assault units in Primorsky Krai, Russia, on July 15, 2025.
Vitaliy Ankov / Sputnik via AP
A drone crossed into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, a key Russian ally, on July 10. The drone crashed close to the border as senior officials headed for shelters, domestic media reported.
"This incident shows that the possibility of a drone entering Lithuanian territory is real," Kubilius said.
Vilnius lodged a "strong protest" with Minsk, according to local reports. "Our message is that this is serious," said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
The concept of a "drone wall" isn't new, but its exact form along the eastern flank of NATO remains unclear. Lithuania's then-Interior Minister, Agnė Bilotaitė, said in May 2024 that a "drone border" would be established, stretching from Norway to Poland.
The drones will add to physical barriers and surveillance systems to "allow us to also protect ourselves from provocations by unfriendly countries," Bilotaitė said at the time. The "wall" will also employ counter-drone technology, regional media reported at the time.
It would essentially focus on ensuring that an enemy like Russia cannot operate effectively in a specific area, known as the "kill box" or "killing area," Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow in European security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, told Newsweek.
Drones could be placed on the border, including in concealed spots, while mixed in with artillery, Arnold said.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry said earlier this year that President Volodymyr Zelensky had launched a "large-scale project" known as the "drone line," designed to carve out a "kill zone" of up to 15 kilometers. The "drone line" would be built using UAVs, electronic warfare systems, different types of vehicles and other equipment, Kyiv said.
Several initiatives are underway to bolster NATO defenses in the east. The three Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed an agreement in January 2024 to beef up protection along their land borders with Russia and Belarus, known as the Baltic Defense Line. Poland has its own program, dubbed East Shield.
Anti-tank defenses, like mines and concrete blocks known as dragon's teeth, also occupy NATO territory close to Russian soil.
Earlier this year, the European Commission rejected funding for the drone wall. Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said that the country would need to build up the capability on a national level.
"Europe is large, interests differ, and sometimes what is a sore point and crucial for us is not so much for Europe," Paluckas said, according to Lithuanian media.
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