NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged for stronger measures to protect allied airspace, following a wave of airspace violations and drone incursions across Europe.
“We must keep our skies safe,” Rutte declared, standing alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of a meeting with EU commissioners.
Rutte pointed to recent drone intrusions in Poland, the violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, and disruptive drone activity in Denmark, which caused major disturbances in Danish air traffic.
“In Denmark, we are still assessing what is behind these incidents. But when it comes to Poland and Estonia, it is clear that Russia is involved. Even if not intentional, it is reckless and unacceptable,” Rutte emphasized.
The NATO chief voiced support for building a so-called “drone wall” to better protect Europe’s skies, describing it as both “necessary and the right thing to do.”
“We cannot spend millions of euros or dollars on missiles to shoot down drones that cost only a few thousand,” he warned.
The initiative, promoted by von der Leyen, will be discussed by EU leaders in Copenhagen on Wednesday. She promised “immediate action” to create the drone defense barrier, stressing:
“Europe must deliver a strong and united response to Russian drone intrusions at our borders.”
