The European Commission has presented a plan to counter the increasing security threats posed by drones across the EU, focusing on civilian internal security and developing a competitive European drone market.
The EU has faced growing challenges relating to drones in recent years, such as hostile overflights, airspace violations, disruptions to airports, and risks to critical infrastructure, external borders and public spaces.
The new plan represents a blueprint for stronger EU cooperation and solidarity and paves the way for a united EU approach against drone threats. It focuses on the civilian internal security, while complementing ongoing defence efforts. In addition, the plan contributes to the development of a competitive European drone market, unlocking the potential for innovation, growth, and job creation.
“With the launch of this Action Plan, we are turning the concept of a ‘Drone Wall’ from a political vision into an industrial reality”, said the Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. “To achieve true defence readiness, Europe must be able to protect its borders and critical sites with a sophisticated, multi-layered shield that can detect and neutralise any threat in real-time. Commission is developing a range of tools to the industry and Member States to develop and acquire drone and anti-drone defence capabilities in Europe.”
The plan will support EU countries by complementing national measures and focusing on four key priorities
- enhancing preparedness through increased technological development and faster industrial production
- boosting detection with AI software technologies and 5G networks to better detect drones
- coordinating and reinforcing responses through EU counter-drone systems and emergency response teams
- strengthening defence readiness through innovation and industrial cooperation
The Commission announced it will soon launch discussions with EU countries based on the principle of co-ownership. It will also work closely with industry and the European Parliament to move the plan forward.
