Europe is facing a critical gap in its security as it remains ill-prepared to handle potential Russian drone attacks, according to EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius. Speaking on Monday in Vilnius, Kubilius stressed that the continent must act quickly to integrate Ukraine’s “battle-tested” military capabilities to strengthen its defences.
The warning comes in the wake of NATO jets shooting down Russian drones over Poland in September, an incident that highlighted the vulnerabilities in European drone detection and interception systems. “Why did it take us more than two years and the trigger of the Russian provocation with drones against Poland, and also against Baltic States and Romania, to understand that we are not ready to detect Russian drones and to destroy them with cost-effective means?” Kubilius asked, calling attention to the urgent need for coordinated action.
He added a pointed question: “The Russians are learning. Are we?” highlighting the growing threat posed by increasingly sophisticated drone technology.
In response to the incidents, NATO has already sent reinforcements to its eastern flank and is deploying additional drone defence systems. At the same time, the European Union has indicated plans to build a comprehensive anti-drone defence system. However, Kubilius noted that such a project is complex, and implementation could take several years before becoming fully operational.
Kubilius emphasized that European nations must not overlook Ukraine, whose military has gained significant combat experience over the past two years. With some 800,000 personnel, Ukraine’s battle-hardened forces could play a crucial role in strengthening Europe’s collective security. “If we do not do that, we shall make a historical mistake, which shall leave us weaker. And which shall leave Ukraine weaker,” he warned.
The push to improve drone defences is happening against a backdrop of heightened concern over Russia’s intentions. European intelligence agencies have warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could consider attacking a NATO member in the coming years, particularly if the war in Ukraine comes to an end.
As Europe scrambles to close these defence gaps, Kubilius’ comments serve as a stark reminder that in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, readiness is not just about military hardware—it also depends on strategic partnerships and lessons learned from ongoing conflicts.