Launch event of the EUDIS Tech Alliance

Commissioner Kubilius met with defence industry representatives to discuss European drone and counterdrone capacities and solutions. The meeting comes in the context of recent EU airspace violations and the lessons from Ukraine, where drones are reshaping the battlefield, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen the EU’s technological readiness and resilience in this strategic domain.

In the morning, the European Commission hosted the launch event of the EUDIS Tech Alliances, announced in the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roamap with the objective of fostering dialogue between Member States and defence innovators. It spotlighted emerging defence players who will pitch their companies’ innovative solutions to representatives from Member States (including leaders of the drone / counterdrone capability coalition).

In the afternoon, a Defence Industry Rountable brought together over 40 defence companies from across the EU and Ukraine. The discussion focused on strengthening Europe’s defence readiness, supporting industrial scale, innovating and integrating drone and counter-drone capabilities. A representative of the Ukrainian government shared lessons from Ukraine’s frontline experience, highlighting the need for rapid innovation in defence technologies.

Both events form part of the Commission’s broader effort to support Europe’s defence readiness and industrial resilience, as outlined in the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. By bringing together established and emerging industrial players, the discussion will provide an overview of Europe’s industrial offer, identify obstacles to rapid scale-up, and explore ways to advance interoperability.