Five European powers prepare joint drone project

The five largest military powers in Europe – France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom – plan to invest jointly in the development of autonomous drones.

The initiative comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing uncertainty over the extent of continued US engagement in NATO.

Defence ministers are meeting in Krakow, where they are expected to unveil a project known as LEAP, aimed at developing low-cost “effectors” and autonomous platforms.

According to available information, the move reflects lessons drawn from the battlefield in Ukraine, where drones have proved to be an effective and less costly alternative to traditional air defence systems.

At the same time, European governments are emphasising the need to strengthen domestic defence production and expand industrial capacity. The European Union is expected to grant member states greater fiscal flexibility, although defence policy itself remains largely in national hands.

The objective is clear: to reduce dependence and enhance the capacity to respond to Russian threats.

(reuters, pir)