Bratislava – Slovakia has commenced the establishment of its air defense system, featuring six batteries of the Barak MX system as its primary component. However, Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer-SD) remarked that deploying such extensive systems against low-cost drones is not resource-efficient. He made these comments on Friday following a video conference with ministers from various EU member states and representatives from the European Commission (EC), as reported by TASR based on a Ministry of Defense post on social media.
“Every nation is working to identify the most effective solutions for counter-drone defense, and today’s session focused on how to leverage European resources for financing a multi-layered counter-drone defense system,” emphasized Robert Kaliňák. He indicated that this was only the preliminary discussion regarding the initiative. “Further discussions will take place, and avenues will be explored for the EU to also aid in providing this equipment in the spirit of solidarity,” the minister added.
Debate surrounding counter-drone defense has intensified along NATO’s eastern flank following recent incursions into the airspace of several European NATO members, including Estonia and Poland, by Russian aircraft and drones.
Friday’s meeting included representatives from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Ukraine, along with EU’s high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas and a NATO representative.
EU Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius expressed that countries along the EU’s eastern border view the construction of a “wall against drones” as an urgent priority for safeguarding against Russian airspace violations. Member states are now encouraged to collaborate with national experts to formulate detailed technical plans.
This initiative is anticipated to be discussed at the upcoming informal meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark, and during the European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, in October. (September 26)
“We will seek options for the EU to also contribute to the multi-layered counter-drone protection equipment in the spirit of solidarity.” Robert Kaliňák
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