The Estonian Defence Industry Cluster introduced the concept of the Baltic drone wall, which aims to strengthen the eastern border of the European Union and NATO.
The drone wall is a collaborative initiative between Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. According to Rene Ehasalu, Head of the Defence Estonia, the drone wall will help counter the threats of the new era. It will also demonstrate the ability of local industry to contribute to ensuring the security of Estonia and the surrounding region while creating a framework for closer cooperation between the countries of the region.
FACTS
2/3 of Estonia’s defence industry’s output is exported, with exponential year-on-year growth with growing international demand.
Estonia is #1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index in the EU. Estonia is home to the Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, a globally leading institution in cybersecurity research and training.
The Baltic drone wall will combine autonomous surveillance systems enriched with artificial intelligence, integrated drone countermeasure systems, multilayer sensor networks, drones for countering hostile drones, and mobile drone countermeasure platforms.
DefSecIntel has developed a multi-layered drone countermeasure system Eirshield, into which they have integrated innovative solutions from both Estonian and international partners. Photo: DefSecIntel
All data from sensors and mobile units would be centralised in a central control system, providing a real-time operational overview of the entire border. Since the border runs through several countries, the system would be designed to integrate third-party sensors, communication networks, and defence systems, ensuring seamless interoperability between different countries.
Government allocates €12 million for drone wall project
Such a multilayered drone defence system, called Erishield, has been developed by the company DefSecintel Solutions. In addition to DefSecIntel Solutions, Rantelon, Marduk Technologies, Lendurai, Hevi Optronics, Frankenburg Technologies, and Telekonta are currently joining the initiative.
“By integrating cutting-edge technology, common defence measures and rapid innovation, we can create an effective multilayered solution that helps ensure Europe’s resilience against external threats and aggressors,” said Defence Estonia.
The organisation notes in its statement that the war in Ukraine has shown that both defensive and civilian drones have become central weapons in attacks and the destruction of critical infrastructure, with devastating consequences.
12 million euros will be invested in building the Baltic drone wall.
“The Baltic states’ eastern border with Russia is more than 1,100 kilometres long, running through lakes, swamps, dense forests and complex terrain, making it particularly vulnerable to GPS jamming, smuggling, the use of refugees in hybrid warfare and possible unconventional warfare tactics. The growing use of drones as offensive weapons has become a significant security concern and requires intervention,” the companies find.
ERR noted last year that nearly €12 million in government funding over the next three years will support the Baltic drone wall.
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