NATO Builds ‘Drone Wall’ on Eastern Border to Counter Threats from Russia

A new defence plan is taking shape along NATO’s eastern border, aiming to stop threats and boost surveillance. The project, known as the “Drone Wall,” is being developed in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine to protect vulnerable areas bordering Russia.

The wall will stretch from Norway to Poland. It will use drones powered by artificial intelligence, as well as sensors and satellite systems, to keep watch and stop any attacks or border violations.

A Symbol of Defence and Autonomy

The Drone Wall is meant to give early warnings and carry out regular reconnaissance across NATO’s eastern edge. It is also a sign of Europe’s growing desire to rely less on outside support, particularly from the United States.

With President Donald Trump back in office, many in Europe have grown more concerned about the future of US support for NATO. Trump has often pushed European nations to spend more on their own defence.

A Joint Effort Led by Germany

Germany is leading the project, alongside six NATO members. The country’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has already brought in major defence reforms and removed spending limits. According to The Telegraph, the government is now supporting companies like Quantum Systems, which builds hundreds of drones each month.

“With the right political coordination, a first operational layer—using existing, proven technology—could be deployed within a year,” said Martin Karkour, chief sales officer at Quantum Systems. “The technology is ready. What is still needed is a strategy at the EU or NATO level.”

Karkour added, “European-made systems ensure strategic autonomy and keep sensitive data under European control.”

Baltic Nations Join the Effort

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland are all part of the Drone Wall’s Baltic section. In Estonia, local tech companies are working through the Estonian Defence Industry Cluster to support the effort. One of the main contributors is DefSecIntel Solutions, which has developed a drone defence system called Erishield. It uses artificial intelligence and mobile systems to spot and block drones.

“This is a completely new thing. A drone border from Norway to Poland,” said Lithuania’s Interior Minister, Agnė Bilotaitė, speaking to Baltic News Service. “This will allow us to protect ourselves from provocations by unfriendly countries.”

Estonian company Rantelon is also involved, along with Marduk Technologies, Hevi Optronics and others. The government has set aside €12 million over the next three years to fund the work. The goal is to give defence teams real-time awareness of border activity, including the ability to detect drones being used for attacks or smuggling or GPS jamming.

Industry Takes Centre Stage

Local industry leaders see the project as a chance to show what the region can do. “The war in Ukraine has shown that both defensive and civilian drones have become central weapons in attacks and the destruction of critical infrastructure,” the Estonian defence community said.

Defence Estonia, which represents the country’s defence companies, said in a statement: “The Drone Wall will demonstrate the ability of local industry to contribute to ensuring the security of Estonia and the surrounding region.”

Gundbert Scherf, CEO of the German defence company Helsing, told Deutschlandfunk, “If we deploy there in large numbers, rely on asymmetric capabilities and concentrate tens of thousands of combat drones there, then it will be a very credible conventional deterrent.”

Construction Already Underway

In Poland, the first work on the Drone Wall has already started. The country is building a 700-kilometre defence network as part of its Shield-East programme. NATO officials say the final structure of the Drone Wall will depend on decisions made by top political leaders within the alliance.