5 European nations pledge to make cheap drone defenses
Associated Press News • • world
Key Points:
- Five European countries—France, Poland, Germany, the UK, and Italy—have launched the LEAP program to develop low-cost air defense systems and autonomous drones, leveraging Ukrainian expertise gained during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- The initiative aims to address recent drone incursions into European airspace by creating affordable drone detection and interception technologies to replace costly responses using expensive jets.
- Poland and Ukraine are already collaborating on drone technology through joint military training and manufacturing, emphasizing the need for rapid adaptation to evolving combat technologies.
- European leaders highlight the program as part of broader efforts to enhance defense capabilities amid growing security challenges from Russia, instability in the Middle East, and shifting alliances, while reinforcing NATO through stronger European contributions.
- The LE
