Drones and modern warfare

In its report, the European Parliament states that unmanned systems are now fundamentally changing the nature of warfare. The intensive use of drones in Ukraine and their use by non-state actors such as Hamas and the Houthis has exposed the vulnerability of armies that are unprepared for this reality. According to MEPs, the low cost and high effectiveness of these technologies are changing the balance of power. The Parliament emphasises that European armies must fully integrate drones and counter-UAS capabilities into their training, equipment and operational doctrines. This includes the ability to quickly detect, jam or destroy enemy drones using a combination of radars, sensors, electronic warfare, laser systems and low-cost defence solutions. Without these capabilities, there is a risk of higher losses and reduced manoeuvrability for units.

Particular emphasis is placed on the need for low-cost and widely available anti-drone technologies. Parliament points out that current systems are often more expensive than the targets they destroy, which is unsustainable in the long term. The EU should therefore support the development of simple, rapidly deployable and cost-effective solutions, inspired, among other things, by the experience of Ukraine.

MEPs also call for military doctrines to be adapted and for investment in research, development and cooperation between the military, industry and start-ups. Drones should be integrated not only into ground forces, but also into naval, air and logistics systems. The changes should also include a clearer definition of the rules for deploying drones and common European standards for training and certifying operators. The report thus sends a clear signal: if the EU is to survive in today's security environment, it must adapt to the reality of the drone battlefield – quickly, in a coordinated manner and with an emphasis on its own technological capacity.