Commission's action plan helps reduce drone threat

TALLINN - The European Commission on Wednesday presented an action plan aimed at reducing the growing drone threat to EU security.

The action plan focuses on closer cooperation and solidarity among EU countries to develop a unified EU approach against threats from malicious drone use. Internal security and stronger civil-military interaction are also crucial. Additionally, the action plan will contribute to the development of a competitive European drone market.

Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius noted that the action plan will turn the concept of a so-called "drone wall" from a political vision into an industrial reality. "To achieve true defense readiness, Europe must be able to protect its borders and critical infrastructure with a multi-layered shield capable of detecting and neutralizing potential threats in real time. The Commission is developing various tools for businesses and member states to develop and procure drone and counter-drone defense capabilities in Europe. This includes monitoring the eastern flank and the European Drone Defence Initiative. By bridging the gap between innovative civilian technology and military needs, our defense industry can produce essential systems at the required scale and speed to keep Europe secure and technologically sovereign."

To improve EU readiness, the plan includes mapping civil-military industrial potential to attract investment and promote innovation and interoperability; strengthening counter-drone testing capabilities through a new EU counter-drone center of excellence and the development of a counter-drone certification system; and launching a drone and counter-drone industry forum to promote dialogue and increase production.

At the same time, the Commission also wants to update the rules for civilian drones and adapt them to the new security situation.

To protect vital infrastructure, the Commission will provide clear guidance to operators, launch a pilot project to improve maritime surveillance, and help member states protect themselves against threats such as meteorological balloons launched from outside the EU.

The detection, tracking, and identification of maliciously used drones is crucial. This requires a better situational picture to help distinguish friend from foe. To this end, support will be given to the creation of unified display systems to integrate all relevant data for identifying legitimate drones.

To counter drone swarms, 5G networks must be rapidly deployed. The Commission will announce a project call for both member states and manufacturers to support real-time testing and rapid deployment of 5G networks for counter-drone purposes.

Although member states are primarily responsible for measures to respond to drone threats, the Commission invites interested countries to join forces in public procurement and the deployment of counter-drone systems. It will also support the development of sovereign European AI-based command and control systems and explore the possibility of creating rapid response teams to increase solidarity between member states.

The Commission proposes organizing a large-scale EU counter-drone exercise annually to test cross-border cooperation and civil-military interaction. In addition, the Commission will continue to equip the EU's border and coast guard agency, Frontex, with the necessary drones and technology for patrol and surveillance activities.

EU funding programs will support the development of drone technology and counter-drone capabilities through Horizon Europe, the European Defence Fund, and the Border Management and Visa Instrument. The Commission will continue to financially support member states through these instruments, as well as through loans from the European Defence Industry Programme and the SAFE programme.