European leaders are considering the creation of a “drone wall” along the EU’s eastern border after repeated incidents involving Russian drones. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius have backed the concept, which was first proposed by the Baltic states.
The Baltic Drone Wall, a joint effort by Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, aims to deploy layered anti-drone defences. At its core is Eirshield, a platform developed by Estonian firm DefSecIntel and Latvia’s Origin Robotics. Using radar, cameras, and radio-frequency detection, the system can automatically identify, jam, or intercept hostile drones. Equipped with AI, it is fully automated and designed to counter fast-flying drones carrying warheads.
Eirshield has already been tested in Ukraine, where it has been paired with gun systems to down Shahed drones. Developers say the system is cheaper than conventional missile defence, with a cost-per-use in the “tens of thousands” of euros compared to millions for traditional air defences.
However, challenges remain. Systems used in wartime Ukraine would need modification for peacetime operations, including safeguards to avoid downing civilian drones. NATO standards also need to be integrated. And while Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have each committed millions in national funding, the EU Commission rejected a joint €12 million request for support in August.
Despite funding setbacks, Baltic governments are pressing ahead with domestic investment, and upcoming demonstrations could determine how widely the technology is adopted across Europe. Whether the drone wall becomes a cornerstone of NATO’s eastern defence or remains a regional experiment will depend on political will, military integration, and cost efficiency.
