国际观察丨与俄罗斯的这道“墙”，欧洲打算怎么建

Core Viewpoint - The European Union is advancing the construction of a "drone wall" to enhance member states' security amid diminishing U.S. security commitments, reflecting Europe's multifaceted challenges in achieving defense autonomy [1][4]. Summary by Sections Project Overview - The "drone wall" is a counter-drone system designed to quickly detect, intercept, and, if necessary, shoot down suspicious drones. The EU plans to leverage Ukraine's experience and collaborate closely with NATO during its construction [2][3]. - The concept of the "drone wall" was first proposed in 2024 and gained traction following a significant drone incursion in Poland on September 9, 2023. The estimated cost for the project is several billion euros [2][3]. Implementation Challenges - Key priorities include enhancing detection capabilities, with an initial focus on deploying detection systems as soon as possible. A comprehensive network for tracking and destroying targets will require more time [3]. - The project faces unresolved issues, such as whether NATO or the EU will lead the initiative, who will fund the multi-billion euro investment, and how to harmonize differing airspace regulations among EU countries [3][4]. Strategic Implications - The initiative is seen as a critical attempt to address defense system shortcomings and reduce reliance on the U.S., marking a shift towards greater European defense autonomy [4][6]. - Recent drone incidents in Poland and other European countries have highlighted the inefficiencies of existing air defense systems, prompting a focus on improving drone defense capabilities [3][4]. Structural Challenges - There are inherent contradictions between reliance on U.S. security and the pursuit of defense autonomy, as European nations are caught between distrust of the U.S. and dependence on it [6]. - Financial constraints pose a significant barrier, with estimates suggesting that achieving true defense autonomy would require defense spending to rise to 5-7% of GDP, which is challenging given current economic conditions [6][7]. - Short-term discussions on military reform may not translate into long-term commitment, as economic and energy challenges could overshadow defense cooperation in the future [7].