MILAN – Western countries scrambling to counter rising aerial threats should move beyond the simple stockpiling of countermeasures and adopt Ukraine’s faster, cheaper and battle-tested drone warfare model, experts say.
At the Warsaw Security Forum, organized in the Polish capital on Sept. 29-30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed to his NATO partners that they build a “joint, truly reliable shield” against Russian aerial threats, stating that he stood ready to offer advice.
Several European countries have recently become the target of suspicious, unidentified drone activities near critical infrastructure, which has prompted the European Union to flirt with just such an idea: a defensive “wall” against drones that would build on Kyiv’s amassed knowledge.
Experts say that while foreign militaries are not required to copy all Ukrainian tactics, they should still integrate key know-how shared with them, starting with the ability to build defensive systems quickly.
“No one should be thinking they can store millions of drones [or countermeasures], they can’t just store them in a warehouse, and even if they did, they shouldn’t expect them to be useful given how quickly things are evolving,” Scott Boston, senior defence analyst at RAND, said.
EU to Invest €2 billion in Ukraine Drone production, Fostering Collaboration and Technological Advancement
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the European Union has committed €2 billion to support Ukraine’s drone capabilities, aiming to bolster the country’s defense industry while simultaneously benefiting from advancements in drone technology.this investment signifies a deepening collaboration between Ukraine and the EU, moving beyond simple aid to a partnership focused on co-development and manufacturing. The initiative is already gaining momentum with agreements like the one between Denmark and Ukraine, paving the way for joint production and technology transfer.
EU’s Strategic Investment in Ukrainian Drone Capabilities
The €2 billion investment represents a notable step in the EU’s support for Ukraine, recognizing the critical role drones play in modern warfare and the potential for ukraine to become a key player in drone technology. This funding isn’t simply about providing ukraine with ready-made drones; it’s about enabling Ukraine to scale up its own manufacturing capacity and innovate in the field.
As reported by Defense News, the collaboration extends beyond financial aid. The EU envisions co-developing new drone systems with Ukrainian engineers and incorporating them into the design process from the outset. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/10/09/eu-to-invest-2-billion-euros-in-ukraine-drone-production/ This approach aims to foster a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.
Denmark Leads the way with Joint Production Agreement
Denmark is taking a leading role in this collaborative effort. On October 6th, Denmark and Ukraine signed an agreement allowing ukrainian defense firms to establish joint production facilities within Denmark. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3781991-denmark-ukraine-sign-agreement-on-joint-defense-production.html A key component of this agreement is the planned exchange of technology, ensuring Ukraine gains valuable expertise and capabilities. This move signals a broader trend of European nations seeking to integrate Ukrainian defense industries into their own supply chains.
Why This Matters: The Benefits for Both Sides
This partnership offers several advantages for both Ukraine and the EU:
* For Ukraine:
* Strengthened Defense: Increased domestic drone production will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against ongoing aggression.
* Economic Growth: The development of a robust drone industry will create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
* Technological Advancement: collaboration with EU engineers will accelerate Ukraine’s technological progress in the drone sector.
* For the EU:
* Access to Innovation: Ukraine’s rapidly evolving drone technology and agile development processes can provide valuable insights and innovations.
* Diversified Supply Chains: Integrating Ukrainian firms into EU supply chains reduces reliance on single sources and enhances resilience.
* Strengthened Security Partnership: The collaboration reinforces the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s security and stability.
key Takeaways
* The EU is investing €2 billion in Ukraine’s drone industry.
* The focus is on co-development and scaling up Ukrainian manufacturing capabilities.
* Denmark has signed an agreement with Ukraine for joint drone production and technology exchange.
* This partnership offers mutual benefits, strengthening Ukraine’s defense and providing the EU with access to innovation.
This initiative represents a strategic shift in the EU’s approach to supporting Ukraine, moving beyond immediate aid to a long-term partnership built on technological collaboration and mutual benefit. As the conflict continues, expect further agreements and investments aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense industry and integrating it into the European defense ecosystem.
Author: Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo, europe correspondent for Defense News, specializing in military procurement, international security, and aviation. https://www.defensenews.com/authors/elisabeth-gosselin-malo/