The European Commission has presented a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at addressing the escalating security risks posed by drones across the European Union. The initiative responds to mounting concerns over hostile overflights, airspace violations, airport disruptions and threats to critical infrastructure, borders and public spaces.
In recent years, drones — along with high-altitude meteorological balloons — have emerged as a multifaceted security challenge. The Commission’s new blueprint seeks to strengthen EU-level cooperation, enhance preparedness and ensure a coordinated response among Member States, while reinforcing civil-military synergies.
A Coordinated EU Approach
The Action Plan focuses primarily on civilian internal security, complementing defence-related initiatives already underway. It is designed to support national authorities through coordinated EU-level measures in four key areas: preparedness, detection, response coordination and defence readiness.
At the same time, the Commission aims to foster innovation and industrial growth in Europe’s drone sector, positioning security as a driver of competitiveness and technological leadership.
Boosting Preparedness and Industrial Capacity
To strengthen resilience against drone-related incidents, the Commission proposes:
A coordinated civil-military industrial mapping to encourage investment, innovation and interoperability.
The establishment of an EU Counter-Drone Centre of Excellence and a certification scheme for counter-drone systems.
A new Drone and Counter-Drone Industry Forum to facilitate dialogue and scale up production capacity.
A forthcoming Drone Security Package will revise existing civilian drone regulations to reflect evolving security realities. This includes a coordinated risk assessment of drone technology supply chains and the introduction of an “EU Trusted Drone” label to identify secure equipment.
The Commission also plans to issue guidance for critical infrastructure operators, launch a maritime surveillance pilot project and assist Member States in countering high-altitude threats originating outside the EU.
Leveraging 5G and AI for Detection
Improved detection capabilities are central to the Action Plan. The Commission is promoting integrated “single air display systems” that combine multiple data sources to distinguish legitimate drones from potential threats.
A multi-sensor approach — supported by AI — will underpin detection efforts. The Commission also highlights the urgent need to leverage 5G networks for real-time tracking of drones, including swarm operations. A call for expressions of interest will be launched to support live testing and rapid deployment of 5G-based detection technologies.
Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the creation of a Drone Incident Platform to enhance situational awareness and coordination.
Strengthening Response Mechanisms
While operational responsibility remains with Member States, the EU intends to provide added value through joint procurement and deployment of counter-drone systems. The Commission will support the development of sovereign, AI-powered command-and-control systems and explore the establishment of Rapid Counter-Drone Emergency Response teams to reinforce solidarity among Member States.
A large-scale annual EU counter-drone exercise is also proposed to test cross-border cooperation and civil-military coordination.
Frontex will continue receiving enhanced drone and surveillance technologies to bolster border protection, with additional guidance on layered deployment and cross-border incident management.
Reinforcing Defence Readiness
The Action Plan aligns with broader defence initiatives, including the proposed European Drone Defence Initiative and the Eastern Flank Watch project under the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. Closer collaboration with Ukraine through the Drone Alliance will accelerate affordable defence innovation and mass production capabilities.
Funding for drone and counter-drone development will continue through programmes such as Horizon Europe, the European Defence Fund, the Border Management and Visa Instrument, the European Defence Industry Programme and SAFE loans.
Next Steps
The Commission will begin consultations with Member States, industry stakeholders and the European Parliament to refine and implement the proposed measures. It has suggested to appoint National Drone Security Coordinators in each Member State to oversee implementation.
The Action Plan builds on the 2023 Communication on countering drone threats and updates the broader Drone Strategy 2.0 framework.
As drone technology evolves rapidly, the Commission stresses that the plan is dynamic and will be adjusted to reflect emerging risks — underscoring the EU’s ambition to safeguard its airspace while fostering a secure and competitive drone ecosystem.