A new European centre is to test anti-drone systems. An annual large-scale drone exercise is to ensure civil-military cooperation among the 27 member states. The European Commission proposes these in a plan to counter drone threats to EU security.

In the plan was adopted on Wednesday 11 February in Strasbourg. The EU executive announced that it would present a package of measures to update rules on civil drones by year-end. It relies on a new approach to industrial production. It is to promote a forum with industry and to push the use of 5G networks for drone detection.

The plan focuses on four priorities: improving preparedness, enhancing detection capabilities, coordinating responses and strengthening EU defense. “We will provide clear guidance at European Union level on countering threats deriving from drones, and these will have to apply in all member states,” said Magnus Brunner, EU commissioner for internal affairs and migration, presenting the drone action plan.

Transformation and risks

Drones—civil, commercial, military or improvised—have become potentially essential tools for the transformation European economy. However, they also present risks capable of putting pressure on critical infrastructure, borders, ports, airports and public spaces. The text of the plan recalls: “Recent incidents involving the malicious or irresponsible use of drones have highlighted significant and growing challenges to the security of the Union.”

The plan is to respond to this growing vulnerability, in a context in which state and non-state actors exploit the hybrid and cross-border nature of drones. The EC aims to rapidly close the technological gap through an integrated approach. In this sense, the document provides for a joint civil-military mapping of industrial capabilities, the creation of multinational test centers and the evolution of the JRC into a true European center of excellence for counter-drones.

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The objective is to move “from lab to deployment” more quickly, removing regulatory obstacles and promoting experimentation in controlled environments. Alongside research, the plan insists on the need to produce on a large scale. Europe wants to avoid external dependencies and support start-ups and emerging companies, also through a new industrial forum, the D-TECT Forum.

Global cooperation

By 2026, a mobilization of €400m is to support member states in the purchase of drone and counter-drone technology: “150 million will be funds or will go to finance aerial surveillance, drones used by member states by Frontex in joint operations, and 250 million will go to support member states that will be able to purchase counter-drone systems directly,” Mr Brunner explained.

In addition, the Commission proposes a drone security package that extends the obligation of registration and remote identification to all drones over 100 grams. This aims to prevent the use of untraceable aircraft. The plan devotes extra attention to the maritime domain, exposed to aerial, surface and underwater drones.

150 million will be funds or will go to finance aerial surveillance, drones used by member states by Frontex in joint operations, and 250 million will go to support member states that will be able to purchase counter-drone systems directly. — Magnus Brunner, EU commissioner for internal affairs and migration

The EU is reconsidering the mandates of Europol and Frontex. “Obviously, this will also play a very important role. We are working closely especially with Latin American police forces, also with Europol, with which we have agreements also with Latin America. This will also be part of the cooperation agreements,” the commissioner added.

Modern warfare and Ukraine

The plan recognises that drones are now central to modern warfare. The EU wants to strengthen its military readiness, coordinating member state investments and supporting European production. It is to do so through EDIP, SAFE and the future European Competitiveness Fund. The Ukrainian experience is considered fundamental for developing interoperable systems of command and control, sensors and countermeasures.

“Detecting malicious drones and stopping them by fast and unified response is a necessity. Commission’s recipe is right to treat the symptoms, but we must remove the main cause. That takes tougher sanctions for Russia and decisive military support to Ukraine,” echoed MEP Nicolas Pascual de la Parte to EU Perspectives (EPP/ESP), a member of the parliamentary defence committee.