Estonia, one of the most advanced nations in the field of digital technologies, is stepping up its defense against possible drone incursions from Russia. An innovative project, supported by government funding of 12 million euros, will create a technological barrier capable of detecting and neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles along the country’s eastern border of the country and in sensitive areas of major cities. 

It is not just a matter of national security: the “drone wall” will also counter-smuggling activities using these self-driving devices. As drone espionage and criminal activities by external actors intensify, the Estonian Border Police has detected numerous cases of suspicious incursions, not only in border areas but also over critical infrastructure such as power plants. These episodes have made it necessary to strengthen surveillance and defense capabilities. 

The drone wall project involves the installation of an integrated system that will allow the airspace to be constantly monitored at low altitudes. In addition, the system will include signal jamming devices to neutralize airspace-violating drones. 

The initial funding of €12 million will cover the costs of developing the system over the next three years, but the Border Guard is already seeking additional funds to complete the work and strengthen the defense against incursions and new forms of cross-border crime. The drone wall could become a model for other European countries facing similar threats along their borders.