European defence ministers agree to develop ‘drone wall’

EU commissioner for defence and space Andrius Kubilius, right, said the drone shield could take a year to build (Markku Ulander /Lehtikuva via AP)

European defence ministers have agreed to develop a “drone wall” along their borders with Russia and Ukraine to better detect, track and intercept drones violating Europe’s airspace.

The decision comes after a spate of incidents in which Europe’s borders and airports have been tested by rogue drones. Russia has been blamed for some of them but denies that anything was done on purpose or that it played a role.