Europe Accelerates Drone Defense Development Amid Rising Threats

European leaders are responding decisively to a surge in drone incursions into NATO airspace, which reached unprecedented levels in September 2023. In light of these developments, the alliance has initiated plans for a “drone wall” to enhance surveillance and interception capabilities along its borders. This heightened focus on drone defense has spurred activity within Europe’s private drone industry, particularly among companies in Denmark.

In a warehouse located hundreds of kilometres from Ukraine, workers at Danish firms are assembling anti-drone devices intended to counteract threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. Some of these devices will be exported to Kyiv to disrupt Russian drone operations on the battlefield, while others will be distributed across Europe to bolster defenses against recent drone flyovers that have alarmed regional leaders.

Weibel Scientific, a Danish company specializing in radar technology, has seen a significant uptick in demand for its UAV detection systems. These systems were utilized at Copenhagen Airport during a critical EU summit earlier this year, where unidentified drone sightings resulted in airspace closures lasting several hours. Alongside Weibel, MyDefence manufactures portable radio-frequency devices that sever the connection between drones and their operators, effectively neutralizing potential threats. Although “jamming” is heavily regulated within the European Union, it remains a prevalent tactic in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The escalation of drone warfare can be traced back to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, Russia has employed drones and missiles in extensive attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, prompting Ukraine to retaliate with strikes deep within Russian territory using domestically produced drones. The situation has elevated concerns across Europe, leading to the formation of a “drone wall” aimed at improving detection, tracking, and interception of drones breaching airspace.

In November, NATO officials confirmed the deployment of a new US anti-drone system along the alliance’s eastern flank. Following a violation of Polish airspace, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the establishment of the Eastern Sentry programme, designed to deter further incursions by Russian forces. European officials have characterized the drone incidents as potential tests of NATO’s readiness, raising important questions about the alliance’s preparedness for emerging threats.

Detecting drones presents significant challenges, as they can often be mistaken for birds or aircraft on radar systems. As a result, there is a strong push for rapid deployment of effective counter-drone technologies across Europe. According to Andreas Graae, an assistant professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, the urgency for solutions has intensified due to escalating Russian aggression. He noted, “All countries in Europe are struggling to find the right solutions to be prepared for these new drone challenges.”

The private sector is responding to this demand. MyDefence, founded in 2013, has transformed its business model in light of the conflict. Chief executive Dan Hermansen described the Russia-Ukraine war as a pivotal moment for the company. Since the invasion, MyDefence has delivered over 2,000 units of its wearable “Wingman” detector to Ukraine. Hermansen emphasized that the focus has shifted towards prioritizing technology that protects lives: “For the past couple of years, we’ve heard in Ukraine that they want to put machines before people.”

In the financial realm, MyDefence reported doubling its earnings to approximately $18.7 million (€16.1 million) in 2023, largely due to increased interest in its counter-drone technologies following drone incidents in Denmark and other European countries. These events have been significant eye-openers for many nations, highlighting the need for robust defense mechanisms against hybrid warfare threats.

Meanwhile, on NATO’s eastern flank, countries such as Denmark, Poland, and Romania are integrating advanced weapon systems to combat drone threats. The US-made Merops system, compact enough to fit in a truck, employs artificial intelligence to identify and navigate drones, even in jamming scenarios. NATO officials aim to fortify the borders with Russia to deter any military advances.

Over the years, Weibel Scientific has evolved from its initial focus on tracking radar systems for the aerospace sector to developing technologies for drone detection, particularly at critical locations such as Copenhagen Airport. Chief executive Peter Røpke highlighted the impact of the Ukraine war on demand for such products: “The Ukraine war, and especially how it has evolved over the last couple of years with drone technology, means this type of product is in high demand.” Earlier this year, the company secured a €65 million contract, representing its largest order to date, further driven by the ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed drone wall.

As Europe grapples with these emerging challenges, the collaboration between government entities and the private sector is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s response to the evolving landscape of drone warfare.