European countries united against cheap drones

Leading European countries – Germany, France, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Italy (the E5 group) have reached an important agreement in the defense sector. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

The LEAP (Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms) program announced on February 20 aims to reduce the cost of air defense systems and produce autonomous drones. This project is based on experience gained during the four-year war in Ukraine.

Previously, European countries were forced to use expensive fighter jets to destroy cheap drones. The new program changes this approach: it will develop low-cost but highly accurate strike tools controlled by artificial intelligence.

According to British representative Luke Pollard, the main goal of the project is to align defense expenses with the value of the threat. In other words, destroying cheap drones should not require high costs.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the E5 countries have agreed to jointly finance drone technologies and their combat components. This initiative will be an important part of the "anti-drone wall" protecting European airspace.

Drones have fundamentally changed tactics on the battlefield, and these technologies are aimed at creating effective solutions against them. The rapid actions of Europe have also been influenced by former US President Donald Trump's criticisms of NATO.

Trump's ambiguous approach to transatlantic relations and Russia's aggressive actions have prompted European countries to independently enhance their defense capabilities. At the same time, these moves are not about leaving NATO but about expanding independent capabilities within the alliance.

The new program is expected to reduce dependence on external factors in ensuring European security. However, there are various opinions about how these steps by Europe will affect the future of NATO.