EU, NATO plan anti-drone wall while Czechia ramps up air defense

A growing debate over an "anti-drone wall" along Europe's eastern border has gained urgency, with Czechia now moving to strengthen its own defenses by establishing a national anti-drone coordinating group.

However, Slovakia and Hungary have not been invited to these discussions, a decision Slovak officials have criticized. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said, “NATO’s eastern border must be protected in its entirety, regardless of which countries are involved.”

Deputy Speaker Tibor Gašpar called the exclusion “absurd,” warning that it risks leaving a gap in security coverage.

The broader proposal, backed by NATO and EU officials, aims to create a coordinated shield to counter the rising drone threat linked to the war in Ukraine.

EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has called for the creation of an "anti-drone wall" to protect the alliance's eastern flank. The concept is now set to be discussed by EU leaders at an informal summit in Copenhagen on Oct. 1, with a formal presentation planned for the EU summit in Brussels later this month.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that Czechia will contribute to this emerging security framework by establishing a national anti-drone coordinating group. Speaking at the opening of NATO Days in Mošnov, Fiala said: "Our priority is to ensure the safety of our citizens and to be ready for any potential threats.”

The Czech task force will bring together experts from the ministries of defense, interior, transport, the Czech Army, police, and other agencies. “This is another step toward maximizing the safety of citizens. In this way, we strengthen our country’s defense against new threats that we observe in close proximity,” Fiala added.

The move comes amid growing drone activity in Central Europe. Officials see UAVs as a rising risk to civilian infrastructure, air traffic, and public safety. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently launched Operation “Eastern Guard,” involving Denmark, France, the UK, Germany, and others, to neutralize drone threats. This step aligns closely with the vision of an anti-drone wall.

The coming weeks will see Czechia’s task force begin work, positioning the country as an active participant in the wider European effort to build a unified response to aerial threats in the region.