Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

EU Unveils Defense Readiness Roadmap With Bloc-Wide Anti-Drone Plan by 2027

The proposal now hinges on member-state approval, with financing decisions still to be secured.

A Ukrainian servicewoman callsign Fox, 33, of Safari Unit of Liut Brigade operate a recognisance drone at the frontline in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Vasilisa Stepanenko)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listens as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas speaks during a news conference, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Poland's Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski speaks next to an Russian army's Iranian made Shahed-136 attack drone, acquired from Ukraine by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), at a press conference in Parliament in London, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas speaks during a news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, not pictured, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Overview

  • The European Commission presented its Defense Readiness Roadmap 2030 and a European Drone Defense Initiative to upgrade air, space, maritime and ground defenses across the bloc.
  • Initial capabilities are slated for December next year, a fully operational anti-drone system is targeted for late 2027, and Eastern Flank Watch is due by the end of 2028, alongside proposed air and space shields.
  • The plan seeks at least 40% joint procurement by late 2027 and aims to finalize contracts for critical capabilities by end-2028 to build an interoperable EU defense market.
  • Budget proposals include raising the EU’s long-term defense and space funding to €131 billion and expanding military mobility funds to €17.6 billion, with overall decade-long needs estimated in the trillions.
  • EU leaders will review the package at a Brussels summit next week, with close NATO coordination emphasized and a drone alliance with Ukraine envisioned by early next year.