The European Union is planning to have its so-called “Drone Wall” fully operational and integrated into a network-based drone capability by the end of 2027, according to a leaked copy of the Defense Readiness Roadmap 2030 obtained by Euronews.
The document, which the European Commission will officially unveil on Thursday, is the result of months of consultations between the EU executive and member states aimed at overhauling the bloc’s defense policy in response to an increasingly aggressive Russia.
Nine Priority Defense Areas
The EU has already identified nine key capability areas in which member states must urgently invest. These include:
- Ammunition production,
- Drone technology, and
- Anti-drone systems.
Earlier this month, the Commission also proposed four flagship pan-European defense projects to be prioritized:
- Eastern Flank Surveillance, including the European Drone Wall,
- Air Defense Shield,
- Space Defense Shield, and
- A Cyber and Communications Resilience Initiative.
Timeline and Objectives
According to the roadmap, the eastern flank surveillance system and the drone wall are described as “the most urgent” priorities.
- The Drone Wall is expected to be fully functional and network-integrated by the end of 2027.
- The Eastern Flank Surveillance System is planned to be operational by the end of 2028.
A Multi-Layered Anti-Drone System
The document describes the counter-drone capabilities as:
“A technologically advanced, multi-layered system with interoperable anti-drone capacities for detection, tracking, and neutralization — as well as the ability to strike ground targets using precision drone technology.”
It emphasizes that the anti-drone network must be fully interoperable and interconnected among EU member states, providing European situational awareness and enabling joint operations to secure critical infrastructure in close coordination with NATO.
Military Mobility – The Next Focus
The roadmap also provides further clarity on “military mobility,” another key priority area. This will be addressed in a separate policy package scheduled for release next month, focusing on improving the EU’s ability to rapidly move troops and equipment across borders during crises.
