European Commission targets Russia with flagship defence projects

The European Commission has unveiled “flagship” defence projects aimed at countering potential threats from Russia.

These initiatives are outlined in the European Union’s (EU) defence policy “roadmap,” reflecting concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine and the risk of attacks on EU territory, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters.

“Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. It is clear we need to toughen our defences against Russia,” emphasised EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas at a news conference.

Among the four projects, two have the highest priority: the European Drone Countermeasures Initiative (“Drone Wall”) and Eastern Flank Watch, aimed at strengthening the EU’s eastern borders on land, in the air, and at sea, according to the European Commission.

The Commission stated that both projects should reach initial readiness by the end of next year, with the drone defence system fully operational by 2027 and Eastern Flank Watch by the end of 2028.

The EU plan also foresees the creation of a European Air Shield to protect against missiles and aerial threats, and a European Space Shield to safeguard European space assets and services.

EU leaders are expected to decide on support for these initiatives and designate which countries will coordinate the projects.

By Khagan Isayev