EU Drone Defense Funding
Baltic States Ask European Union For €500 Million To Strengthen Drone Defenses
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Key Points
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The letter was reportedly sent on September 21 and was not made public, although sources said von der Leyen had received it.
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Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius told the BBC that Lithuania feels “constantly threatened” by Russia because of drones entering its airspace.
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The report said Ukrainian UAVs have crossed into or crashed in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in recent months as Kyiv intensified its long-range attacks on Russia, adding to regional airspace concerns.
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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that Russia could launch drones or missiles into NATO countries supporting Ukraine “in the next few months”; French President Emmanuel Macron called the assessment “sound and well-documented,” although Tusk provided no evidence publicly.
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The Baltic states are considered in many NATO threat assessments to be among the alliance members most directly exposed to Russia.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have asked the European Commission for roughly €500 million to beef up counter-drone defenses, citing mounting threats from Russia. According to Iltalehti, the three Baltic nations sent a confidential letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on September 21, requesting the funding be available as early as 2026.
The Baltic states fear Russia could test NATO's resolve through drone strikes on the alliance's eastern flank, Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius told the BBC that Lithuania feels "constantly threatened" by Russian drones entering its airspace. Ukrainian drones have also crashed or crossed into Baltic territory in recent months, adding to regional security concerns.
Baltic States Cite Persistent Drone Threats
The defense ministers' letter was not made public, but sources confirmed von der Leyen received it. The Baltic governments expect a response within weeks. Iltalehti reported the three nations view drone incursions as part of a broader Russian effort to destabilize NATO's eastern edge without triggering Article 5, the alliance's collective defense clause.
Ukrainian UAVs crossing into or crashing in Baltic airspace have intensified concerns. Kyiv has ramped up long-range drone attacks on Russian targets, but some weapons stray across borders. This pattern, combined with Russian reconnaissance flights, has left Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania scrambling to upgrade air defenses and surveillance systems.
Western Leaders Warn of Imminent Russian Provocation
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that Russia could launch drones or missiles at NATO countries supporting Ukraine "in the next few months." French President Emmanuel Macron called Tusk's assessment "sound and well-documented," though no public evidence was provided. The warnings reflect growing anxiety across NATO's eastern flank.
Denmark's Defense Intelligence Service has warned that Russia could strike a NATO member, potentially triggering direct confrontation with the alliance. The agency noted an outright invasion is "highly unlikely" but cannot be ruled out. A limited strike designed to disrupt Ukraine support remains a credible threat.
Moscow Denies Aggressive Plans as Tensions Mount
Russia has repeatedly denied aggressive plans toward Europe and accused Western governments of exaggerating threats to justify higher military spending. Moscow claims NATO's expansion and support for Ukraine are the true sources of escalation. The Kremlin has offered no concrete response to the Baltic states' funding request.
NATO threat assessments consistently rank the Baltic states among the alliance members most directly exposed to Russian military action. Their geographic proximity to Russia, combined with smaller populations and limited air defense capabilities, makes them vulnerable targets. The €500 million request reflects urgent efforts to close these security gaps before any potential confrontation.
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