Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states are signing a major collaboration to strengthen their defenses against the growing threat from Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The project, launched by the Estonian Defense Industrial Cluster and dubbed the "Baltic Drone Wall," aims to establish a multi-layered drone countermeasure along NATO's eastern border. However, the project has reportedly faced political delays and logistical challenges.
The "Baltic Drone Wall," expected to be completed in 2027, was developed in response to the increase in drone incidents violating NATO airspace during Russia's attacks in Ukraine. Getter Oper, head of strategy and communications at Estonian defense company DefSecIntel, noted the slow pace of political initiation for the project, saying: "The project has been very slow to get off the ground politically. We would have liked to have it ready by next summer, as we've seen the number of drone incidents increase and the necessary systems are in place." "This project aims to bring together various battle-tested systems sent to Ukraine," he said.
Similarly, the European Union A drone alliance with Ukraine announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is on its way to establishing. This alliance aims to deepen cooperation with the war-torn country on UAV technology. While these developments are taking place, the The attack caused allied warplanes to take off after dozens of Russian UAVs entered the airspace, escalated tensions in the region again.
Baltic drone wall, layered sensor and intervention network It is expected to provide more effective and cost-effective solutions by detecting threats earlier and accelerating decision-making processes. Developed by the Estonian company Marduk Technologies Electro-optical counter-drone system called Marduk Sharkcan detect and target enemy UAVs. However, in the implementation of the project, serious logistical challenges such as the deployment of tens of thousands of sensors and the integration of data sharing between all systems Additionally, uncertainty about which country will be responsible for combating UAVs flying at different altitudes is among the factors affecting the project's progress.
The designed defensive wall, acoustic detection sensors, mobile camera systems, drone interceptors, radars and jammers It is planned to consist of at least five layers, such as: [These layers will transmit data to a central system for real-time threat awareness.] Upon completion, the project aims to increase the security of NATO's eastern borders.