Former NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoană said NATO needs stronger low-altitude military capabilities to shoot down drones following a recent incursion [1, 2].
The warning highlights a critical vulnerability in the alliance's eastern flank. As unmanned aerial vehicles become primary tools for reconnaissance and attack, the inability to intercept low-flying craft poses a direct risk to sovereign airspace and military infrastructure.
Geoană said there is a need for these upgrades late last week [1, 2]. The call for action follows a Russian drone incursion over Romania, which underscored gaps in current detection and interception systems [1, 2].
Improving these capabilities is necessary to avert future incursions [1, 2]. The former official said the current defensive posture is insufficient to handle the specific challenges posed by modern drone technology, particularly those operating at altitudes that evade traditional radar systems [1, 2].
Romania remains a key strategic point for NATO in Eastern Europe. The recent breach of its airspace serves as a catalyst for a broader discussion on how the alliance can modernize its integrated air and missile defence [1, 2].
Geoană said the alliance must prioritize these low-altitude systems to ensure a comprehensive shield against evolving threats [1, 2]. The shift would require coordinated investment across member states to deploy specialized anti-drone technology, and enhanced surveillance networks [1, 2].
“NATO needs stronger low-altitude military capabilities to shoot down drones”
The emphasis on low-altitude defence suggests that traditional high-altitude air defence systems are inadequate against the current generation of Russian drones. By calling for specific upgrades, Geoană is signaling that the tactical nature of airspace violations has shifted, requiring NATO to pivot from strategic missile defence toward a more granular, short-range interception capability to maintain territorial integrity.
