EU unveils drone alliance with Ukraine to boost defence synergy

The European Commission has outlined the objectives of the planned EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance, emphasising its role in strengthening cooperation between European and Ukrainian counter-drone industries.

Speaking on May 7, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the initiative, launched within the framework of the flagship Drone Defence Initiative, is designed to foster closer integration of technological capabilities and operational experience in countering drone threats.

According to Regnier, the alliance will function as a mutually beneficial partnership, drawing on Ukraine’s battlefield experience and Europe’s industrial capacity.

"This is a two-way movement from the very beginning… Ukraine has gained a lot of experience when it comes to drone capabilities and counter-drone capabilities… This alliance will create synergy between the European counter-drone industry and the Ukrainian counter-drone industry," he said.

He added that the Drone Defence Initiative is among the European Union’s flagship defence projects, under which the EU “works side by side with member states, as well as with Ukraine.”

Earlier, on May 5, the European Commission announced a call for applications from companies interested in becoming co-founders of the alliance. The application process is set to remain open until May 25, 2026, with the alliance expected to begin operations in the coming months.

The initiative builds on broader EU defence planning. On October 16, the European Commission presented a defence “roadmap” that identified Ukraine as a key component of the European Union’s overall defence readiness.

By Tamilla Hasanova