Reference Message Network reported on April 30 that according to a report on April 23 on Newsweek's website, NATO is carrying out a large-scale new defense plan at its eastern border, enhancing reconnaissance and deterrence capabilities to respond to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This project, known as the "drone wall," plans to establish an interconnected network of drones extending from Norway to Poland, utilizing cutting-edge technology to defend against invasions and unconventional warfare methods. The report stated that the design purpose of the "drone wall" is to serve as a permanent early warning and reconnaissance network for NATO's eastern flank, especially in vulnerable areas bordering Russia. This initiative has both practical and symbolic significance, strengthening European defense, implementing regional reconnaissance technology control, and countering geopolitical conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. This initiative also reflects the growing trend of European defense strategies toward self-reliance. This shift occurs as the U.S.' commitment to NATO appears less certain, particularly after Trump's re-election as U.S. president, when he pressured NATO's European member states to increase defense spending. This ambitious plan, led by Germany and joined by six NATO countries, marks one of the broadest deployments of autonomous reconnaissance and anti-drone systems in recent years. The leaders of these countries described it as a strategic deterrent, responding to the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare. An Estonian defense company said in a statement: "By integrating cutting-edge technology, joint defense measures, and rapid innovation, we can build an effective multi-layered defense solution to help ensure Europe is protected from external threats and aggressors." The proposed drone network is a "wall" composed of AI-driven reconnaissance drones, supported by a network of sensors, satellite surveillance, and mobile countermeasure platforms for detecting and neutralizing potential threats. German incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has placed rearming Germany at the top of his agenda. Through a series of reforms, he has allowed unrestricted defense spending. It was reported that the Merz government is expected to support German companies such as Quantum Systems, which is already producing hundreds of drones each month. Quantum Systems Chief Sales Officer Martin Kakul said: "Under the right political coordination, the first layer of the system - using existing, proven technology - could be deployed within a year. The technology is ready. What is needed now is a strategy at the EU or NATO level." Kakul emphasized the need for European-produced drone systems to ensure strategic autonomy, especially as concerns about the reliability of U.S. security guarantees grow. He said: "European-made systems ensure strategic autonomy and place sensitive data under European control." The Baltic Sea portion of the "drone wall" initiative includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland. Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Biloteite told the media: "This is something completely new. Building a drone boundary from Norway to Poland will enable us to protect ourselves from provocations by unfriendly countries." The Estonian government will allocate 12 million euros over three years for this project. Defense groups in Estonia view this project as a symbol of industrial capability and regional solidarity. They noted: "The Ukraine war has shown that both defensive and civilian drones have become primary weapons for attacking and destroying critical infrastructure." Helsinki, a German AI defense company CEO Gundelbert Schaeff, told German public radio: "If we deploy them in large numbers there, rely on asymmetric capabilities, and concentrate tens of thousands of combat drones there, it will become a very reliable conventional deterrent force." This work has already begun in Poland, which announced earlier this year plans to build approximately 700 kilometers of enhanced reconnaissance infrastructure. (Translated by Guo Jun) Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498940874508861967/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by voting up or down below.