The European Union is planning to build a large-scale anti-drone defense system along its eastern flank, according to a European Commission document obtained by Gazeta Wyborcza. The project aims to protect the EU’s borders — including Poland’s — from unmanned aerial threats and is expected to reach initial operational capability by the end of next year.

Shield Against a New Generation of Threats

The so-called “anti-drone wall” will serve as a barrier against emerging security risks — particularly drone attacks increasingly used in warfare and sabotage operations. The system will cover EU countries bordering Russia and Belarus, namely Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

According to Wyborcza, the first tenders for anti-drone technologies are scheduled for early 2026, with preparations already underway. The accelerated timeline reflects rising regional tensions and a recent incident in September, when Russian drones violated Polish airspace.

A Strategic Priority for Europe’s Defense

The European Commission document reportedly designates the initiative as a strategic priority, part of a broader plan to modernize the EU’s defense capabilities by 2030.

“The armed forces of the member states must be able to anticipate all defense-related crises, including high-intensity warfare, prepare for them, and respond effectively,” the Commission document states, as quoted by Gazeta Wyborcza.

The Commission emphasizes that EU countries should invest in technologies needed for modern warfare, including anti-drone systems, satellite reconnaissance, cyber defense, and mobile air-defense platforms.

Focus on the Eastern Flank and Maritime Security

The report notes that projects strengthening NATO’s eastern flank — particularly along Poland’s eastern border — will receive top priority in the EU’s defense agenda. Brussels also aims to bolster security in the Baltic and Black Seas, which remain vulnerable to activities of the so-called “Russian shadow fleet.”

The new defense strategy, set to be officially presented on October 16, also calls for better coordination of military investments across the EU. Brussels wants Europe’s defense industry to be capable of rapidly scaling up production of military equipment and ammunition in the event of conflict, while encouraging joint procurement and technology sharing among member states.

First Major EU Military Infrastructure Project

The anti-drone shield would be the first EU military infrastructure project of this scale. While financing details are not yet finalized, preliminary reports suggest that funding will come partly from EU defense programs and partly from the national budgets of the eastern member states involved.