European Commission launches Action Plan on Drone Security and Counter-drone Capabilities

The European Commission has presented a comprehensive Action Plan on Drone Security and Counter-drone Capabilities. With this initiative, the European Union responds to the growing security risks posed by the malicious use of drones and aims to establish a coordinated European approach to prevent, detect and counter drone-related threats.

The Action Plan is designed to support EU Member States through coordinated measures, complement national strategies and address key priorities, including:

• Improving preparedness against drone-related threats
• Strengthening detection and surveillance capabilities
• Enhancing coordination of response and operational measures
• Reinforcing Europe’s defence readiness

Through this initiative, the EU promotes closer cooperation between security authorities, industry, research organisations and policymakers to strengthen Europe’s resilience against emerging aerial security threats.

Focus on innovation and industrial cooperation

A central element of the Action Plan is the strengthening of Europe’s technological and industrial base in the drone sector. Innovation and industrial cooperation are expected to play a key role in increasing Europe’s resilience against evolving security risks.

The EU also aims to support the development of a stronger European drone ecosystem. This includes enhanced collaboration with international partners, such as through a Drone Alliance with Ukraine, which will foster closer cooperation between governments and industry stakeholders.

By accelerating the development of cost-efficient defence technologies and enabling their rapid large-scale production, the Action Plan lays the foundation for major European initiatives, including:

• the European Drone Defence Initiative
• the “Eastern Flank Watch” initiative, a flagship project under the EU Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030

EU funding programmes support drone and counter-UAS technologies

The European Union already supports research and innovation in drone and counter-drone technologies through several key funding instruments, including:

• Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme
• the European Defence Fund (EDF)
• the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP)
• SAFE loans, aimed at strengthening Europe’s security and defence industrial base

These programmes support the development of advanced sensor technologies, AI-based detection systems, counter-drone capabilities, and resilient communication and surveillance infrastructures.

Next steps: coordination with EU Member States

As a next step, the European Commission will initiate discussions with EU Member States to coordinate the implementation of the proposed measures. The process is based on the principle of shared responsibility for security in Europe.

In addition, the Commission plans to:

• establish a strategic coordination mechanism with Member States
• work closely with industry stakeholders, security authorities and the European Parliament

The Commission also recommends that Member States appoint national drone security coordinators. These coordinators will support the national implementation of the measures and help strengthen cooperation across the European Union.

Contact at BayFOR

If you have questions regarding EU funding opportunities in security research, drone technologies or defence innovation, the BayFOR team for Security and Defence Research will be happy to assist you.

Dr. Alexander Christian Widmann
Team Coordinator and Scientific Officer Social Sciences and Humanities | Security and Defence Research 
Phone: +49 89 9901888-162
Email: widmann@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org