Vidostream | News, sport and opinion from the Vidostream's US Edition

https://vidostream.com

EU unveils 'flagship' defence projects to counter Russian threat

The European Commission on Thursday unveiled a roadmap proposing four major defence projects, including a counter-drone system and measures to strengthen the EU’s eastern border, as part of plans to boost Europe’s military readiness by 2030 amid growing fears of Russian aggression.

2025 10 16T114915Z 1062749489 RC2ZCHAEGFE8 RTRMADP 3 EU DEFENCE ROADMAP

2025 10 16T114915Z 1062749489 RC2ZCHAEGFE8 RTRMADP 3 EU DEFENCE ROADMAP

The European Commission on Thursday proposed four European flagship defence projects – including a counter-drone system and a plan to fortify the eastern border – as part of a drive to get the continent ready to defend itself by 2030.

The proposals, in a defence policy "roadmap", reflect fears fuelled by the war in Ukraine that Russia may attack an EU member in the coming years, and calls by US President Donald Trump for Europe to do more for its own security.

"Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. It is clear we need to toughen our defences against Russia," European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told a news conference.

The Commission said two "flagships" were particularly urgent – the European Drone Defence Initiative, previously known as a "drone wall", and Eastern Flank Watch, which aims to "fortify the EU’s Eastern borders "across land, air and sea".

 

 

"Drones are already redefining warfare. Having drone defences is no longer optional for anyone," Kallas told journalists, adding that the bloc had no choice but to build up its anti-drone defences against Russia. "Today we propose a new anti-drone system to be fully operational by the end of 2027."

 

 © France 24

 

The Commission, the European Union's executive body, said both projects should have initial capacity by the end of next year. The drone project should be fully functional a year later and "flank watch" should reach that status at the end of 2028.

It also proposed a European Air Shield, to defend against missiles and other airborne threats, and a European Space Shield, to protect European space assets and services.

Leaders of the EU's 27 member governments will decide whether to endorse the flagship proposals and to agree on who runs projects that get the green light.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters, AFP)

Source: France 24

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second