The European Commission launched a new drone action plan to increase security across the bloc over this new hybrid threat that, in recent years, had European and national politicians worried, after several cases of hostile usage of drone technology in Europe’s airspace.
The plan will strengthen European cooperation on the issue, with stronger coordination between military and civil industrial complexes to identify and counter potential threats. The Commission will work closely with member states, industry stakeholders and the European Parliament in order to develop an all-encompassing plan and ensure its implementation. “Drone and anti-drone capabilities are central components in defending Europe and securing critical infrastructure,” said Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen. Her words were also echoed by Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, who said that “by bridging the gap between innovative civilian technology and military requirements, we are ensuring that our defence industry can produce these essential systems at the scale and speed required to keep Europe secure and technologically sovereign.”
One key pillar of the plan is the increased focus on preparedness and defence readiness. To achieve this, the EU will propose the creation of a new EU Counter-Drone Centre of Excellence to develop the right technologies and training to counter potential threats. In addition, the Commission wants to promote an industry forum to bring together all the actors who could help ramp up production and make Europe less reliant on others and more independent. Virkkunen pointed out that “In the current geopolitical context, Europe must cultivate home-grown solutions to enhance its collective security.”
At the legislative level, the Commission will push for a new Drone Security Package that will update the legal framework for civilian drones, with measures for risk assessment of drone and counter-drone production to secure supply chains. It will also clarify guidelines for operators. The updates to the rules welcomed Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, who said, “By reviewing our framework now, we are making sure this transformation is safe, innovative, and delivers real benefits for citizens and businesses across Europe.”
