In a bold and strategic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Monday, September 29, 2025, that Ukraine has formally proposed the creation of a joint aerial defence shield in collaboration with its allies, particularly those along NATO’s eastern flank. The initiative aims to bolster collective protection against escalating aerial threats from Russia, which have raised significant concerns due to recent airspace violations in Poland and the Baltic states. This proposal, articulated during Zelenskiy’s virtual address at the Warsaw Security Forum, underscores Ukraine’s proactive stance in regional security and its readiness to leverage its extensive experience in countering Russian aerial aggression to strengthen NATO’s defence architecture.
The proposal comes at a critical juncture, as NATO leaders have repeatedly highlighted Russia’s provocative actions, which they interpret as deliberate tests of the alliance’s preparedness and resolve. These actions include a series of airspace incursions that have alarmed member states, particularly those sharing borders with Russia. Ukraine’s call for a cooperative aerial defence framework is not only a response to these immediate threats but also a strategic vision to enhance regional stability through shared technological and operational capabilities. By proposing a “fully reliable shield” against Russian drones and missiles, Zelenskiy emphasized the feasibility of this initiative, pointing to Ukraine’s proven track record in neutralizing aerial threats and its potential to contribute to a collective defence effort.
Background: Rising Tensions and NATO’s Eastern Flank
The backdrop to Ukraine’s proposal is a series of aggressive Russian maneuvers that have heightened tensions across Europe. NATO’s eastern flank, encompassing countries like Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, has been particularly vulnerable to Russian provocations. Over the past year, multiple incidents of Russian aircraft and drones breaching NATO airspace have been reported, prompting swift responses from allied air forces. These incursions are seen as part of a broader Russian strategy to probe NATO’s defenses, test reaction times, and sow uncertainty among member states.
Poland, a key NATO ally and a vocal supporter of Ukraine, has been at the forefront of these concerns. The country has repeatedly scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian aircraft approaching its airspace, with similar incidents reported in the Baltic states. These violations have not only strained diplomatic relations but also underscored the urgent need for enhanced air defence capabilities. The proposed joint aerial defence shield, therefore, is a direct response to these provocations, aiming to create a robust and integrated system capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing aerial threats before they escalate into broader conflicts.
Ukraine’s Proposal: A Regional Aerial Defence Shield
Speaking via video link at the Warsaw Security Forum, President Zelenskiy outlined Ukraine’s vision for a collaborative aerial defence shield, emphasizing its necessity and feasibility. “Ukraine proposes to Poland and all our partners to build a joint, fully reliable shield against Russian aerial threats,” he declared. This ambitious proposal is rooted in Ukraine’s extensive experience in countering Russian aerial assaults, particularly since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Over the past three years, Ukraine has developed sophisticated strategies and technologies to mitigate a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Zelenskiy highlighted Ukraine’s operational expertise, noting that the country has successfully countered “all kinds of Russian drones and missiles.” He argued that by pooling resources and expertise with NATO allies, particularly Poland, the region could establish a formidable defence network capable of neutralizing threats with unprecedented efficiency. “This is possible,” Zelenskiy asserted. “If we act together in the region, we will have enough weapons and production capacity.” This statement reflects Ukraine’s confidence in its defence industry and its ability to contribute to a collective effort, despite the immense challenges posed by ongoing hostilities.
The proposed shield would involve advanced technologies for detection, tracking, and interception, including radar systems, anti-drone technologies, and missile defence systems. Ukraine’s experience in deploying these systems under real-world combat conditions makes it a valuable partner in this endeavor. Moreover, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, suggesting that a joint effort would not only enhance security but also foster greater integration among NATO allies and Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Offer: Training and Knowledge Sharing
As part of its proposal, Ukraine has expressed its willingness to share its expertise with allied nations, particularly Poland. Zelenskiy announced that Ukrainian troops and engineers are prepared to train their Polish counterparts in effective counter-drone strategies, which have proven critical in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. This offer underscores Ukraine’s role as a leader in modern warfare tactics, particularly in the realm of drone warfare, which has emerged as a defining feature of contemporary conflicts.
Ukraine’s military has developed innovative approaches to countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ranging from low-cost commercial drones to sophisticated military-grade systems. These strategies include electronic jamming, laser-based interception, and the use of mobile air defence units. By sharing this knowledge, Ukraine aims to strengthen the capabilities of its allies, enabling them to respond more effectively to similar threats. This training initiative was a prominent theme at the Warsaw Security Forum, where defence cooperation between Ukraine and NATO allies took center stage.
The forum provided a platform for Ukraine to showcase its contributions to regional security and to rally support for its proposed aerial defence shield. Discussions at the event highlighted the need for closer collaboration between Ukraine and NATO, with a focus on integrating defence industries and harmonizing operational protocols. By offering to train Polish forces, Ukraine is positioning itself as a key partner in NATO’s efforts to bolster its eastern flank, further solidifying its strategic importance in the alliance’s security architecture.
NATO’s Response: Calls for Integration and Regulatory Reform
The proposal for a joint aerial defence shield has garnered significant attention from NATO leaders, who recognize the urgency of addressing Russian aerial threats. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, emphasized the need for closer integration between Europe’s and Ukraine’s defence industries. “Europe’s and Ukraine’s defence industry must work together more closely and effectively,” Pistorius stated, highlighting the potential for synergy in developing and deploying advanced defence technologies.
Pistorius also called for regulatory reforms to facilitate this collaboration, urging the European Union to adopt a more flexible framework for the defence industry. “The European Union must back this by providing a much more flexible regulatory framework for the defence industry in Europe,” he said. This call for reform reflects the challenges faced by European nations in coordinating defence production and procurement, particularly in the face of rapidly evolving threats. A more streamlined regulatory environment would enable faster development and deployment of critical technologies, such as those required for the proposed aerial defence shield.
The German minister’s remarks underscore the broader implications of Ukraine’s proposal, which extends beyond immediate security concerns to encompass long-term industrial and technological cooperation. By integrating Ukraine’s defence industry with those of NATO allies, the region could achieve greater self-sufficiency in producing advanced defence systems, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enhancing collective resilience.
The Concept of a “Drone Wall”
One of the key components of the proposed aerial defence shield is the concept of a “drone wall,” a term that has gained traction among NATO’s eastern flank nations. The drone wall would consist of a network of advanced systems designed to detect, track, and intercept drones and other aerial threats. This initiative has been endorsed by Poland, the Baltic states, and other regional actors, who see it as a critical step in countering Russia’s growing reliance on UAVs for reconnaissance and attack purposes.
The drone wall concept builds on existing NATO air defence frameworks but introduces new capabilities tailored to the unique challenges posed by drones. These include advanced radar systems capable of detecting small, low-flying objects, as well as counter-drone technologies such as electronic warfare systems and kinetic interceptors. The integration of these systems into a cohesive network would require significant coordination among NATO allies and Ukraine, as well as substantial investments in research, development, and deployment.
However, Minister Pistorius cautioned that the realization of the drone wall and the broader aerial defence shield would be a long-term endeavor. “We’re not talking about a concept that will be realised within the next three or four years,” he stated. “We need to prioritise, and recognise that we require more capabilities and capacities than previously described.” This acknowledgment of the project’s complexity highlights the challenges of coordinating multinational defence initiatives, particularly in the face of bureaucratic hurdles and resource constraints.
Strategic Implications and Challenges
Ukraine’s proposal for a joint aerial defence shield carries significant strategic implications for both NATO and the broader European security landscape. By integrating Ukraine’s expertise and capabilities into NATO’s defence framework, the alliance can enhance its ability to counter Russian aggression while fostering greater unity among member states. The initiative also aligns with NATO’s broader goal of strengthening its eastern flank, which has become a focal point of the alliance’s strategic planning in response to Russia’s actions.
For Ukraine, the proposal represents an opportunity to deepen its integration with NATO, even as it continues to pursue full membership in the alliance. By positioning itself as a key contributor to regional security, Ukraine can strengthen its case for closer ties with NATO, while also demonstrating its resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. The offer to train Polish forces and share counter-drone strategies further enhances Ukraine’s credibility as a partner, paving the way for deeper defence cooperation.
However, the initiative also faces several challenges. The development and deployment of a joint aerial defence shield will require significant financial and technological resources, as well as sustained political commitment from all participating nations. Coordinating the efforts of multiple countries with differing priorities and capabilities could prove difficult, particularly given the long timeline projected for the project’s realization. Moreover, Russia’s likely opposition to the initiative could lead to further provocations, testing the resolve of NATO and its partners.
The Role of the Defence Industry
The success of the proposed aerial defence shield will depend heavily on the ability of Ukraine and its NATO allies to integrate their defence industries. Ukraine’s defence sector has made remarkable strides in recent years, driven by the imperatives of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The country has developed a range of innovative technologies, including advanced drones, missile defence systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. By combining these advancements with the industrial capacity of NATO allies, the region could achieve significant breakthroughs in air defence technology.
The call for regulatory reform, as articulated by Minister Pistorius, is particularly relevant in this context. The European Union’s complex regulatory framework has often hindered the rapid development and deployment of defence technologies, creating bottlenecks in procurement and production. A more flexible and streamlined approach would enable faster collaboration between Ukraine and its allies, ensuring that the necessary systems are in place to counter Russian threats effectively.
Furthermore, the integration of defence industries could have economic benefits, creating jobs and fostering innovation in both Ukraine and NATO member states. By investing in joint research and development projects, the region could position itself as a global leader in air defence technology, with potential applications beyond the immediate context of Russian aggression.
The Warsaw Security Forum: A Platform for Collaboration
The Warsaw Security Forum, where Zelenskiy announced Ukraine’s proposal, served as a critical platform for advancing discussions on regional security. The annual event brings together policymakers, military leaders, and defence experts from across Europe and beyond, providing a forum for addressing pressing security challenges. This year’s focus on defence cooperation between Ukraine and NATO allies underscored the growing recognition of Ukraine’s strategic importance and its potential to contribute to collective defence.
The forum also highlighted the broader context of NATO’s evolving security strategy, particularly in response to Russia’s actions. The alliance has increasingly prioritized the development of advanced air defence systems, recognizing the growing role of drones and missiles in modern warfare. Ukraine’s proposal aligns with these priorities, offering a practical and actionable framework for enhancing NATO’s capabilities.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Implementation
The road to implementing Ukraine’s proposed aerial defence shield will be long and complex, requiring sustained effort and cooperation among all stakeholders. Key steps in this process will include:
Technical Development: The development of advanced detection, tracking, and interception systems will be critical to the success of the shield. This will require significant investments in research and development, as well as collaboration between Ukraine’s and NATO’s defence industries.
Training and Capacity Building: Ukraine’s offer to train Polish forces in counter-drone strategies is a promising start, but broader training programs will be needed to ensure that all participating nations have the necessary expertise. This could involve joint exercises, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and the establishment of regional training centers.
Regulatory Reform: As emphasized by Minister Pistorius, a more flexible regulatory framework will be essential to facilitate collaboration and accelerate the deployment of new technologies. The European Union will need to play a central role in this process, streamlining procurement and production processes.
Political Commitment: The success of the initiative will depend on the sustained political will of NATO allies and Ukraine. This will require ongoing dialogue and coordination to align priorities and overcome potential obstacles.
Countering Russian Opposition: Russia is likely to view the proposed aerial defence shield as a direct challenge to its regional influence. NATO and Ukraine will need to anticipate and counter potential Russian provocations, including further airspace incursions or cyberattacks.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s proposal for a joint aerial defence shield marks a significant step toward enhancing regional security and countering Russian aerial threats. By leveraging its expertise and collaborating with NATO allies, Ukraine is positioning itself as a key player in the alliance’s defence strategy. The initiative, while ambitious, is grounded in a realistic assessment of the region’s security needs and the capabilities of its participants. However, its success will depend on overcoming significant technical, regulatory, and political challenges, as well as sustaining the momentum generated by discussions at the Warsaw Security Forum.
As NATO and Ukraine move forward with this initiative, they have an opportunity to redefine the security landscape of Eastern Europe, creating a robust and integrated defence system capable of deterring aggression and ensuring stability. The proposed aerial defence shield is not just a response to immediate threats but a forward-looking vision for a more secure and united region, built on the principles of cooperation, innovation, and resilience.
