East Front News #81: Will Europe move towards a common army?

Belarusian smuggling balloons test Poland and NATO

Repeated incursions by cigarette-smuggling balloons from Belarus into Polish airspace highlight a sustained pattern of low-level pressure below the threshold of open conflict. Although the objects pose no direct kinetic threat, they disrupt civil aviation and serve as a cheap, deniable tool to probe air-defence systems and alliance responses.

For NATO, the incidents underline the challenge of responding to grey-zone activities without normalising them. Improving detection, attribution and legal responses—alongside clearer strategic communication—will be essential to prevent such violations from becoming an accepted feature of the regional security environment.

Author: Karolina Kisiel

Will Europe move towards a common army?

The debate over a common European army has gained renewed momentum amid doubts about long-term US military engagement on the continent. Proposals put forward by EU officials focus less on symbolism and more on addressing Europe’s core weakness: fragmentation into dozens of nationally organised forces ill-suited for collective defence.

Rather than rushing towards a single army, current ideas prioritise pragmatic steps such as a European Security Council, deeper coordination, and a stronger European pillar within NATO. The challenge lies not only in funding, but in political will and institutional reform.

Author: Michał Górski

Cyber pressure on Poland's water infrastructure

Pro-Russian cyberattacks on Poland’s water and sewage facilities reveal how critical infrastructure has become a frontline in modern hybrid conflict. By targeting operational technology rather than classic IT systems, attackers aim to create disruption in everyday life while exploiting weak security practices.

Although most incidents have caused only limited disruption, they expose systemic vulnerabilities and a dangerous complacency. Strengthening OT security, staff awareness and

coordination between operators and state agencies will be crucial as such attacks become more frequent across NATO countries.

Author: Oskar Klimczuk

Operation Barkhane and the limits of military stabilisation

France’s Operation Barkhane was the most ambitious European counterterrorism effort in the Sahel, combining large-scale military deployment with training and regional cooperation. Despite tactical successes, the mission ultimately failed to deliver lasting political stability or weaken jihadist movements decisively.

The French withdrawal exposed the limits of a security-first approach that neglected deeper political and social dynamics. For Europe, Barkhane’s legacy is a warning that military power alone cannot substitute for sustainable governance—and that disengagement carries serious risks, including terrorism and renewed migration pressures.

Author: Aleksander Olech

Espionage inside Poland's Ministry of Defence

The arrest of a civilian employee within Poland’s Ministry of Defence on espionage charges has highlighted serious counterintelligence challenges. Access to strategic planning documents made the case particularly sensitive, underscoring how non-military personnel can pose significant security risks.

The case reflects a broader shift in Russian intelligence tactics towards using low-profile, financially motivated agents rather than traditional operatives. It reinforces the need for more comprehensive vetting, monitoring and awareness across all levels of the national security apparatus.

Author: Amelia Wojciechowska

Germany's kamikaze drone gamble

Germany’s decision to procure loitering munitions for its brigade in Lithuania marks a major shift in Bundeswehr capabilities, but one clouded by doubts over battlefield performance. Reports from Ukraine suggesting low effectiveness under heavy electronic warfare have raised questions about whether the technology is combat-ready.

Berlin appears to be hedging its bets by tying contracts to performance benchmarks rather than committing to immediate mass purchases. The outcome will test whether rapid innovation by start-ups can keep pace with the harsh realities of modern, electronically contested warfare.

Author: Jakub Bielamowicz

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East Front News is a weekly newsletter and article on Defence24.com summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective.