Russian and Belarusian hybrid threats prompted EU nations to enhance air defense, notably Poland’s SAN program.
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In September last year, Russia and Belarus conducted unprecedented hybrid operations against EU countries, including sending drones into Polish airspace, which forced Poland to shoot down hostile objects for the first time since the war in Ukraine, and a drone violating Romanian airspace, alongside three Russian MiG-31 fighters entering Estonian airspace. Numerous drone incidents were also reported near civilian and military bases in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Belgium, prompting EU nations to prepare for further provocations. In response to threats from Russian drones, Poland announced the construction of a fourth layer of its SAN air defense system, aiming to replace costly F-35 engagements with more precise and affordable methods. The Polish Armed Forces are set to receive 18 SAN battery systems, with initial deliveries planned for late 2027, utilizing mobile Jelcz chassis. Poland’s multi-layered air defense includes systems like WISŁA (medium range/Patriot), NAREW (short range), and PILICA+ (very short range). This development positions Poland to have one of Europe’s most advanced air defenses within the next three to four years, supporting NATO’s eastern flank strategy and Poland’s “Tarcza Wschód” defense plan. The SAN program is expected to be a major purchase funded by the EU’s SAFE lending mechanism, potentially securing nearly 200 billion PLN for Poland. Romania is also enhancing its defenses against Russian drone incursions near Ukrainian ports; since 2025, Romanian and allied forces can destroy hostile drones as a last resort. Romania has improved its detection capabilities but faces technical challenges. Kamikaze drones like Geran-2 and Shahed-136 are difficult to detect due to low altitude, slow movement, and non-metallic components. Romania uses stationary and mobile radar systems, with allies in Spain, Italy, and the US deploying radars in the Danube Delta to close detection gaps. Like Poland, Romania can use F-16 fighters supported by NATO rotational forces, though ammunition costs are a concern; ground defenses include Patriot missiles for strategic targets and anti-aircraft artillery like Gepard and Oerlikon 35mm systems. Lithuania has also experienced numerous airspace violations, including an object from Belarus in July leading to government evacuation, and subsequent incidents involving Belarusian meteorological balloons. Following intensified provocations by Russia, the Lithuanian parliament authorized the military to shoot down any drone violating its airspace, a change from previous rules requiring armed or immediately threatening objects. Italy has also used fighter jets to intercept unauthorized drones over various regions, utilizing a network of land and sea radars connected to NATO infrastructure, with interceptors like Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 stationed at key bases, as part of a national strategy to enhance airspace security.
