Drones are reshaping warfare from Ukraine to the Middle East. Now, European countries and companies are racing to ramp up production at home.

Paris

European drone manufacturers are ramping up production and innovation in response to the growing impact of drone technology on modern warfare. Companies such as France’s MBDA and a partnership between Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar Technologies are developing new models designed for mass production and rapid deployment. 

After years of lagging behind the US and China, European firms are now scaling up operations, aided by increased defence spending and stronger political will within the European Union. These efforts aim to enhance European sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign defence technology, as the region adapts to evolving security challenges.

European drone companies race to keep up with China, U.S.

Low-cost and able to be mass-produced rapidly, a model of French company MBDA's explosive long-range missile designed to saturate enemy air defence systems like an Iranian Shahid drone. It was created to be produced in large quantities and quickly thanks to its simple design and our company partnering with a French automobile maker so we could produce a thousand of them per month. Systems and drone-like technology is reshaping warfare faster than ever, from Ukraine to the Middle East. But Europe's long lagged behind countries including the US and China in innovation and production. But that's changing. This is a prototype of a new generation drone being co-developed by companies from Italy and Turkey. Turkey's Baykar Technologies, a leading drone manufacturer, and Italian aeronautics giant Leonardo hope to begin deliveries in 2026. Leonardo's chairman says European companies like his are scaling up fast. We are talking with other European partners, both French and Germans, in space. So yeah, we are already getting there. Then whatever comes, it's more a question of political will than of financing. Financing helps, political will is decisive. Political will now seems to be there. After years of slow investment, countries in the EU are increasing defence spending to fill a gap left by the US as Washington distanced itself from the bloc. Innovations like these are helping to bolster European sovereignty. Natasha Butler, Al Jazeera, Paris.

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