NATO begins testing new systems to detect and neutralize Russian drones
The Secretary General of NATO (NATO) Mark Rutte said that the alliance will test new systems to detect NATO (NATO) and The European Union is working to plug gaps in the continent’s defenses following several Russian violations of the airspace of Poland and Estonia in September.
Rutte told media after a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Wednesday that the alliance "It will implement a number of additional counter-drone measures that will strengthen, expand and accelerate our ability to counter them"
The alliance aims specifically to test "Integrated systems" able to "Better detect, track and neutralize aerial threats"
The ministers also discussed their military support for Ukraine.
Initiative "Burl" To support Ukraine
Upon his arrival at NATO headquarters, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called on European countries and Canada to increase their support for Ukraine through an initiative "Burl" Which was launched by Washington and allows Kiev to purchase American weapons with European funding.
Hegseth said "Peace is achieved when we are strong, not when we use exaggerated phrases or give lectures, it is achieved when we possess real and solid capabilities that are respected by our opponents.".
Within the framework of a programme "Burl"Kiev received two batches of aid estimated at about two billion dollars, funded by the Netherlands and other Scandinavian countries.
Germany and Canada pledged to finance two additional batches, worth $500 million each, and Kiev hopes to finish preparing two additional batches soon.
Rutte confirmed that more than half of the 32 NATO countries responded. To invite, without specifying the amounts allocated.
France does not participate in this program, and the new Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, who is participating for the first time in a NATO meeting, did not raise this issue upon her arrival in Brussels.
Increasing their military support
Earlier on Wednesday, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denis Shmygal called on European allies to participate in this initiative and, in general, to increase their support
Ukraine will need at least $120 billion next year for its war effort, and will be able to finance half of this amount itself.
But Kiev also urgently needs $4 billion in 2026.
Shmygal said: "We will be able to make up to 10 million marches if our partners commit to providing the necessary funds"
5,600 drones in September
Shmygal confirmed that Ukraine was attacked in September alone by about 5,600 drones and 180 missiles. NATO countries intend to benefit from Ukraine’s experience in the war against drones.
In September, the infiltration of about 20 Russian drones into Polish airspace prompted NATO to shoot down 3 of them, in a precedent that has not happened since the founding of the alliance in 1949.
A few days later, NATO fighters accompanied 3 Russian drones. "Meg" outside Estonian airspace, after a penetration that lasted 12 minutes, which is a record period.
This quick response was followed by the launch of an operation "Eastern Guardian" (Eastern Sentry), with the aim of enhancing surveillance on NATO’s eastern flank.
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