Estonian defense industry cluster comes up with Baltic drone wall plan

TALLINN - Ensuring the security of and protecting borders no longer means just repelling conventional threats, but also proactively preventing new threats, such as hostile drones, which is why the Defense Estonia Cluster has come up with the Baltic drone wall concept.

The drone wall is a collaborative initiative at the level of discussions between Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, aimed at strengthening the eastern border of the European Union and NATO. By integrating cutting-edge technology, common defense measures and rapid innovation, it is possible to create an effective multi-layered solution that will help ensure Europe's resilience against external threats and aggressors.

The war in Ukraine has shown that drones, both defensive and civilian, have become a central weapon in attacks and the destruction of critical infrastructure, with devastating consequences. The Baltic states’ eastern border with Russia is more than 1,100 kilometers 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.

Ensuring the security of eastern Europe with the Baltic drone wall requires a combination of several solutions. Autonomous surveillance systems enriched with artificial intelligence (AI) are needed for continuous monitoring; integrated counter-drone systems (C-UAS) are necessary for neutralizing drone threats; multilayer sensor networks are needed for detecting and monitoring threats in the air, land, and water; automated interceptor drones deployed along the border are necessary for rapid response and countering hostile drones; mobile counter-drone systems and platforms are needed for flexible and rapid countermeasures in a changing environment.

All sensor and mobile unit data will be aggregated into a central C2 command and control system that provides a real-time operational overview of the entire border. As this border runs through multiple countries, the system will be designed to be able to integrate third-party sensors, communication networks and defense systems, ensuring seamless interoperability between different countries.

Jaanus Tamm, CEO of DefSecintel Solutions and member of the supervisory board of the Defense Estonia Cluster, noted that air defense and anti-drone capabilities have never been more important in both the defense and civilian sectors, as the ongoing war in Ukraine clearly shows.

"Therefore, based on the experience of Ukraine, we have developed a multi-layered drone countermeasure system (C-UAS/ ultra-short-range-air defense system) EIRSHIELD, into which we have integrated innovative solutions from both Estonian and international partners. We initiated the Baltic drone wall by DefSecIntel Solutions, within the framework of which we propose a concept to combine innovative solutions from Estonia and international partners for the protection of the eastern border," Tamm added.

Defense Estonia Cluster manager Rene Ehasalu said that the security situation in the region has changed and the need to counter new types of attacks has emerged.

"The Baltic drone wall initiative will help to significantly strengthen the eastern border of the European Union and counter the threats of the new era. The concept has been launched to demonstrate the ability of local industry to contribute to ensuring the security of both Estonia and the surrounding region. It will also create a framework for closer cooperation between the countries of the region to share knowledge and best practices in ensuring security. In addition, it will promote the development and implementation of innovative solutions that help ensure long-term stability and security. The flexibility and rapid adaptability of Estonian companies allow them to develop solutions that respond to the rapidly changing security landscape. The Baltic drone wall will help ensure that the entire region is better able to protect its borders and ensure peace on the eastern border of the European Union," Ehasalu added.

The Baltic drone wall concept is an opportunity for defense and security companies to contribute with innovative products that can be quickly produced and deployed in the Baltic region. Currently, DefSecIntel Solutions, Rantelon, Marduk, Lendurai, Hevi Optronics, Frankenburg Technologies and Telekonta are involved in the Baltic drone wall concept.