The EU and Ukraine team up on drones

The alliance is an industry-led initiative that will strengthen the security of Europe and Ukraine by accelerating the development and production of next-generation drone and counter-drone systems and by encouraging partnerships. It brings together 18 founding members, including manufacturers, innovators, start-ups and scale-ups from EU member states, EEA-EFTA countries and Ukraine. Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said: "European airspace is being tested by repeated drone incursions over airports, military installations and critical infrastructure. In Ukraine, this threat is a daily reality. The challenge we face is not just about technological edge, but about the speed and industrial capacity to deliver together. We need design cycles that last weeks, not months, and countermeasures that keep pace with developments. The EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance will address this gap." Launched at the third EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum, held in Kyiv, the alliance is a first step in implementing the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen on 15 July as part of the EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Pact. Founding members will now begin carrying out the agreed activities. More information on how to join the alliance as a general member or a public partner will be published shortly on the Commission's website, ahead of the second Board meeting.