NATO is increasing its capabilities on its eastern flank after recent Russian drone incursions. At the same time the EU has announced a major defence policy roadmap aimed at deterring threats from Russia.

Šiauliai

NATO has increased its air patrols in the Baltic region, deploying Eurofighters and support aircraft to respond swiftly to potential threats, particularly following recent Russian drone violations. Pilots at bases in Lithuania are tasked with intercepting drones and maintaining security for member states.

The European Union is developing a new defence policy aimed at strengthening its arms industry, promoting intra-EU military procurement, and investing in advanced technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence. The EU also plans to build a 'drone wall' along its eastern borders and aims to establish a more unified and efficient European army by 2030, despite internal challenges related to national sovereignty and bureaucracy.

NATO, EU step up defences to deter Russia

Eurofighters scramble from this NATO base in Lithuania. Pilots here are on a mission to protect the skies of member states. Intercepting drones is a new challenge particularly after recent Russian drone violations. We have deployed eight Eurofighters, Typhoon and one A400M with the capability of air-to-air refuelling in order to improve the quality of the missions. So we are ready to take off in less than 15 minutes in order to contribute to the security of the area of the Baltics. But as more countries join the push to strengthen defences in NATO's eastern flank, the EU is putting together a new defence policy so the bloc can deter any attempt by Russia to invade more territory. The new plan aims to bolster the arms industry in Europe, encourage buying military gear from within the EU and investing heavily on air and missile systems, drones and artificial intelligence. The bloc wants its armies to be equipped with less expensive but more efficient weapons. Every country is at risk, every member state should be investing in counter-drone systems and capabilities to hit ground targets. That is why we consider that this is a flagship project. But for the EU to be ready it has to overcome internal divisions, bureaucracy and a long tradition that sees defence as an issue of national sovereignty that should not be decided by Brussels. For now, they all agree, Europe has to have a powerful army by 2030. In the meantime, the EU is going to build a drone wall to protect its eastern borders. It's challenging, especially at night time. But as you see our gears, we have night vision goggles, so actually we can handle them. But that's the most challenging, you know, at night, low level, intercepting like small drones, that's really challenging. Fighter jets continue their patrol on Russia's doorstep. For the Europeans, Moscow remains the biggest threat to their security and warn they're not taking chances anymore. The EU understands there will come a time when it can no longer rely on the US or NATO for its defence, but at the same time it remains far behind Russia in terms of military capabilities And this explains the rush to build a self-sufficient and reliable European army. Hashim Ahl-Bara, Al Jazeera, Sholeh Air Base, Lithuania.

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Breakdown