European Union leaders are considering implementing a series of protective measures to secure their borders following a recent airspace intrusion by an unmanned aircraft in Copenhagen.
The Dallas Express previously reported that a still-unidentified group of large drones flew near Copenhagen Airport in Denmark. The move forced the closure of the major airport, with Danish police saying the breach was caused by a “capable actor.” Now, just days later, leaders of the EU are discussing ways to help secure its borders, including the creation of a so-called ‘drone wall.’
Other airports in the Scandinavian country also encountered unidentified drone incursions in recent days. While Denmark has so far refrained from laying blame, the country’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has suggested Russia could be behind the unauthorized airspace breaches.
Moscow has denied any involvement, but the incidents have prompted European leaders to call for enhanced border defenses. One idea includes a potential ‘drone wall’, a network of sensors and weapons capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing unmanned aircraft.
The idea was raised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in September, just hours after 20 Russian drones breached Polish airspace. While the details remain scant, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the idea “timely and necessary,” per Reuters.
“We cannot spend millions of euros or dollars on missiles to take out drones, which only cost a couple of thousand dollars,” Rutte said, alluding to the jets, helicopters, and Patriot air defense system that were deployed to take down several of the drones that entered Poland.
Last week, the European Commission proposed using Russian funds frozen to help finance a “Reparation Loan” that would support Ukraine’s war efforts.
“We are at a moment where decisive action on our side can lead to a turning point in this conflict,” von der Leyen said.
Under the proposed plan, Kyiv would pay back the loan if Russia paid reparations to Ukraine for the war. However, officials in Europe say the idea poses complex legal and technical considerations that have to be addressed.