The European “Drone Wall” initiative

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SARA ZOBIAN: Following Russian air security threats in Denmark and other parts of Europe, the idea of investing in a ‘Drone Wall’ as a modernized line of defense seems promising. However, the answer to what exactly a ‘Drone Wall’ entails—its cost, benefits and intricacies—remains vague.The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has prompted leaders in the European Union to doubt the efficiency of their airspace defense systems. Recently, many countries in northeastern Europe, such as Romania, Poland and Norway, have reported airspace incursions. These are likely Russian drones and jets, however Russia denies these claims. 

On Oct. 13, 2025, the most recent summit with EU leaders about European defense systems took place. The idea of building a “Defense Readiness Roadmap” was proposed and discussed, a four-pronged approach with the drone wall being one of the proposals. But what exactly is a drone wall? Many readers are asking this question, and so was I while skimming through news articles. 

Little information has been released about the cost, length or feasibility of this plan. The general idea involves a network of sensors that would allow for a drone detection and blocking system in Europe. Numerous European leaders believe that their defense systems are currently lacking in this respect and are pushing for investments in air security. 

Ukrainian Prime Minister Vladimir Zelensky has stressed the necessity of modernizing drone defense systems, as Ukraine has already advanced in this sector. Currently, Ukrainian professionals are working on helping scientists in Denmark. These technological advancements could allow for stronger national security, cooperation among nations and economic growth in Europe.  

With drones being small, relatively low-cost and able to inflict considerable damage, they pose an incredible disadvantage to targeted countries. Expanding these technologies inside and outside of Europe would be incredibly beneficial for less developed countries. Making drone defense systems more widespread and accessible would allow smaller countries to defend themselves and invest in additional technologies. 

However, there are cons to creating a continent-wide drone defense system. It would cost millions, if not billions, of dollars to construct it, while drones cost only thousands of dollars to produce. While leaders are hoping for the Defense Readiness Roadmap to be completed in around three years, many believe it will take way longer while some think it will be even less.

In theory, the drone wall initiative is a necessary plan, but it has not been expanded upon enough yet to demand proper investment from European leaders.  

Sara Zobian is a Freshman majoring in Government in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is from Boston, Massachusetts, but from Lebanon originally.