European nations boost defense spending and drone tech collaboration amid geopolitical shifts, focusing on self-sufficiency.
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Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom are planning to collaborate on producing low-cost autonomous military drones by 2027. This cooperation is driven by increased drone and fighter jet incursions over European strategic targets and warnings from Washington about potential US reductions in NATO commitments. The EU is accelerating its defense strategy towards greater independence from the US, focusing heavily on unmanned systems (UAV, UGV, USV, UUV/AUV).
The “ReArm Europe / Readiness 2030” plan aims to boost European defense spending by up to €800 billion by 2030, prioritizing investments in drones, cybersecurity, and anti-missile defense. The goal is for member states to source at least 50% of their defense equipment within the EU by 2030.
Ukraine’s role as a “drone superpower,” which has significantly impacted Russian military losses, is being leveraged through an EU program worth €6 billion aimed at bolstering Ukraine and transferring its expertise to Europe. Analysts note that drones enable mass precision strikes, allowing smaller nations to counter larger ones more effectively.
European defense spending has risen sharply, with the European Union’s estimated cost reaching €381 billion by 2025. Several countries are increasing their drone procurement: Germany plans to order thousands of “kamikaze” drones; Sweden will invest over €400 million in unmanned systems; and Italy is integrating drone technology across its military branches. Spain is focusing on domestic production through international partnerships, while Austria utilizes Israeli defense systems.
In Greece, the Ministry of National Defence is prioritizing drones under its “Agenda 2030.” New recruits are being trained in UAV systems, and a new operational manual details their use and countermeasures based partly on Ukrainian experience. The Greek military has developed domestic drone capabilities, such as the “Kentavros” system, which has been field-tested against Houthi drones. Despite significant movement, experts note that Greece still lags in mass production capacity and emphasizes the need for continuous technological updates.
