NATO only has 5% of the air defense capabilities needed to protect its eastern flank, one NATO diplomat warns, as allied nations pledge to build a "drone wall" capable of stopping a potential attack near Russia's border.
The stark outlook was reported by the Financial Times using the alliance's own projections. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shown the importance of being able to defend against air strikes in Eastern Europe.
The paper quoted an unnamed NATO diplomat saying, "Right now, we don't have that."
Another said, "[Air defense] is one of the biggest holes we have. We can't deny it."
Moscow's use of cheap, long-range drones has increased the urgency of bolstering defenses. NATO is holding two days of talks in Prague ahead of a summit of the leaders of NATO member countries that will take place in Washington in July.
Members of the alliance are proposing competing plans to bulk up air defenses.
One solution could be for the various air defense systems to be integrated. Each country operates its systems independently right now.
Six NATO countries said this week that they plan to establish a "drone wall" against Russia following a series of provocations.
Officials from Finland, Norway, Poland and three Baltic states discussed deploying a wall of drones to strengthen their borders.
Many NATO countries fear Russia could test the 32-member alliance's border in the next five to 10 years, according to the FT.
