Unidentified Drones Intrude Across Europe; France Prioritizes Air Defense with Round-the-Clock Vigilance | WPN World People News

Several European countries — including Denmark, Norway, Poland, Romania, Belgium, and Germany — have recently reported incursions by unidentified drones targeting airports and military bases. Although France has not yet experienced similar incidents, its Ministry of Defense emphasized that counter-drone operations have become a key priority of national air defense, with more than 70 radars deployed across the country and about 450 pilots on constant 24-hour alert.

France’s air defense system operates under a “permanent air defense posture,” capable of intercepting suspicious aircraft within minutes. The military handles large drones, while smaller ones fall under civilian authorities. Defense measures include radar networks, electro-optical tracking systems, electronic jamming, and fighter jet interceptions. The military is also testing laser and microwave counter-drone technologies. According to the Defense Ministry, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, France detected nearly 400 drones and neutralized over 100 potential threats, demonstrating its robust defensive capabilities.

Étienne Marcuz, a researcher at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), told Le Figaro that if the drone incursions were indeed orchestrated by Russia, they could be interpreted as an intimidation tactic aimed at testing the European Union’s unity and proving that all European countries — not only those in the east — are vulnerable to attack.

At the EU summit in Denmark, President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europe has the right to destroy drones violating its airspace. He also announced plans to convene a meeting of European chiefs of staff to discuss countermeasures against Russia’s so-called “ghost fleet.” Recently, the French Navy intercepted an oil tanker off the country’s western coast suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions. Danish media speculated that the same vessel might have served as the platform for drones that disrupted Danish airspace in late September.