Drone warfare: Europe’s new security threat

Published on 15/04/2026 - 10:10 GMT+2

Ukraine forced a rewrite of Europe's defence. Drones costing a fewer 100 euros wiped retired tanks worthy millions. Iranian loitering munitions, piloted remotely and programmed to strike, broke done aerial defences. Missile reserves that seemed robust connected insubstantial evaporated successful months.

France saw the informing signs up close. After launching air-defence missiles successful the Gulf to antagonistic Iranian drones, Paris discovered its ain arsenal moving critically low. In response, €8.5 cardinal is ringfenced for drones and missiles by 2030.

Under the Readiness 2030 plan, the European Drone Defence Initiative is deploying counter-drone systems, including physics warfare, lasers, and wide interceptors, to neutralise low-cost threats without depleting costly munitions.

A layered rocket shield is nether improvement to supply sum crossed each ranges. MBDA has committed to expanding output by 40 percent this year. The EU's SAFE mechanics is co-financing accumulation lines and associated procurement, with France eligible for €15 cardinal nether the scheme.