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Defence Industry and Space

Hybrid Threats

Hybrid Threats
Hybrid Threats

Countering hybrid threats is one of the most complex and constantly evolving challenges the European Union and the Member States are facing.

Hybrid threats are becoming increasingly complex and frequent across the European Union. In recent years especially, EU Member States have faced growing and multifaceted challenges linked to drones and other unmanned systems. These have included hostile overflights, airspace violations, disruptions to airports and risks to critical infrastructure, external borders and public spaces. While Member States remain primarily responsible, the malicious or irresponsible use of drones leading to vulnerabilities in aviation safety, airport operations and overall security have highlighted the need for a coordinated European response.

Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030

The Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 sets clear objectives and milestones to ensure that Europe is prepared to meet emerging security challenges.

The Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 sets clear objectives to ensure Europe is prepared for emerging security challenges, with drone and counter-drone capabilities identified as a priority.

 It paves the way for initiatives such as the European Drone Defence Initiative, developed as a European Project of Common Interest (EDPCI), which invites Member States to form joint coalitions to build a multilayered, technologically advanced system with interoperable detection, tracking and neutralisation capabilities.

In parallel, the Eastern Flank Watch, also established as an EDPCI, aims to integrate air and counter-drone defence with ground systems, strengthen maritime security in the Baltic and Black Seas, enhance situational awareness, and reinforce internal security and border management.

The EU Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security

In response to calls from Member States and the European Parliament to develop a united approach against the threats posed by malicious drone operations, the Commission has developed a coordinated Action Plan to address these challenges. 

The Action Plan complements national measures and aims to ensure a coherent and effective response across the Union. It focuses on enhancing preparedness and resilience against drone incidents, strengthening detection capacities through advanced communication networks, improving responses to malicious drone activities and reinforcing overall EU defence readiness.

Strengthening Defence Readiness against Drone Threats

The Commission and the High Representative, within their respective competences, will:

  • Intensify EU support to Member States in the Priority Capability Area (PCA) Drone and Counter-Drone. Financial support will leverage instruments such as the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) and the Security Action Plan for Europe (SAFE). These efforts will underpin the European Defence Drone Initiative and the Eastern Flank Watch identified in the Defence Readiness Roadmap.
  • Support the rapid industrialisation of drone and counter-drone solutions for defence purposes.
  • Launch a Drone Alliance Initiative with Ukraine to foster the development of an innovative and resilient industrial ecosystem.
  • Promote and support exchanges and training programmes between Ukraine and Member States for drone pilots, engineers and maintenance specialists.

Related documents

Action plan
General publications11 February 2026
Action plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security
Factsheet
General publications11 February 2026
Factsheet on the Action plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security