Only 1 in 3 EU counter-drone programs expected to deliver by 2030: Report

Only around one-third of European Union counter-drone and very short-range air defense programs are expected to be delivered by 2030, despite a sixfold increase in investment between 2024 and 2025, according to a confidential European Defence Agency (EDA) report obtained by Euronews on Thursday.

The 2026 annual defense readiness report, which assesses EU member states’ military capabilities, highlights persistent gaps in Europe’s ability to counter the growing threat posed by unmanned systems.

“Investment in counter-drone and very short-range air defence capabilities grew sixfold between 2024 and 2025 in response to the growing threat posed by unmanned systems, although only around one third of programmes are expected to deliver by 2030,” the report said.

The document was shared with European governments last week.

The report comes as countries along the EU’s eastern flank, stretching from the Baltic region to the Black Sea, face growing concerns over drone threats, including drone-related incidents.

EU countries are expected to invest €18.9 billion ($21.1 billion) in drone technologies between 2024 and 2029, according to the report.

“Despite the high level of attention paid to the acquisition of drone and counter-drone capabilities, significant capability gaps and external dependencies continue to affect overall European readiness,” it said.

The EDA also identified significant shortcomings, including fragmented procurement at the national level, limited interoperability, insufficient capacity for experimentation and inadequate industrial surge capacity, particularly for weaponized drones.

The report said addressing these gaps would require relatively modest investment compared with other defense capabilities but would depend on sustained funding and a more agile and integrated approach.

According to the report, the sector could expand by as much as 140% by next year if supported by an appropriate investment framework.

It warned that the rapid pace of technological development is creating a growing risk that military systems could become outdated before they are deployed.