NATO creating ‘autonomous zone’ with drones and sensors near Russia’s borders

NATO plans to deploy an “autonomous zone” along its eastern borders, equipped with sensors, unmanned systems, and long-range fire capabilities.

This was reported by Defense News, citing sources within the alliance.

The initiative has been named “Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative” (EFDI). Its details were outlined by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Transformation and Integration at NATO’s Allied Land Command, Chris Gent. According to him, the creation of such a zone reflects the conditions of modern warfare.

Gent specified that under the initiative, acoustic and electro-optical sensors, as well as counter-drone systems, are planned to be installed along the alliance’s eastern borders.

Against the backdrop of these plans, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that proposals are increasingly being heard in Europe about the creation of a new military bloc — comprising the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Ukraine — in connection with talk in Europe about a crisis within NATO. Lavrov characterized such plans as preparation for a direct confrontation with Russia.

In February, European Parliament member Fernand Kartheiser stated that Brussels is attempting to form a European army of 100,000 personnel, completely ignoring the neutrality of a number of EU member states.