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Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges

TA-10-2026-0020 · P10_TA(2026)0020 · PE775.735

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's resolution on drones and new systems of warfare calls for integrating drones and counter-drone systems into EU defence, boosting production, reducing dependencies, and enhancing civil protection.

Key points

  1. Calls for integrating UAS and C-UAS at tactical and operational levels, including real-time 'drone walls' with sensors and hard-kill solutions.
  2. Urges investment in R&D, support for start-ups and SMEs, and integration of multirole aircraft as C3 relay and drone-carrier nodes.
  3. Calls for anti-drone rifles, EW capabilities, and resilient C2 in infantry forces, and warns of capability gaps without unit-level UAS.
  4. Stresses need for cost-effective C-UAS, including EW, lasers, and AI-guided interception, and calls for joint programmes to lower per-intercept cost.
  5. Encourages integrating drones into combat doctrines, updating capability targets, and including C-UAS modules on all major military platforms.
  6. Calls for cyber-resilient drone corridors, mobile maintenance stations, and pilot corridors under EU Drone Defence Initiative for port and energy protection.
  7. Urges joint training and certification of drone pilots with Ukraine, and expansion of EW units and drone defence zones around critical infrastructure.
  8. Condemns Russian drone incursions and calls for enhanced sanctions and measures to prevent such actions.
  9. Recommends comprehensive national civil defence strategies, including early warning, shelters, and no-fly zones around critical infrastructure.
  10. Calls for EU-NATO pilot to form company-level combat drone units within six months, and for Ukraine as full partner.
  11. Calls for pre-approved vendor lists, SME support, and streamlined certification to speed up procurement and innovation.
  12. Urges reshoring manufacturing, reducing dependency on China for rare earths, and ensuring EU-origin criteria for funded drone platforms.

Who is affected

  • EU Member States' armed forces, required to integrate drones and counter-drone systems into all units and doctrines.
  • SMEs and start-ups in the drone industry, targeted for support and inclusion in procurement and funding.
  • Critical infrastructure operators, such as energy and transport, to be protected with C-UAS zones and resilience plans.
  • Ukraine, to be integrated into EU drone initiatives, training, and industrial cooperation.
  • Civilian populations, to be protected through civil defence strategies and public information campaigns.

Figures and deadlines

  • 60 % of drone components originate in the United States and China.
  • DJI commands an estimated 74 % share of the commercial drone market.
  • 9 out of 10 sensors or optical systems are made in China.
  • China controls 85 % of global lithium battery capacity and 98 % of rare earth refining.
  • Ukraine produces over 4,5 million drones annually.
  • 80 % of the European industry involved in light drones consists of SMEs.