28. June 2025
Eu Sounds Alarm As Russian Military Drones Sweep Across Continent
The European Union is sounding the alarm on a potential Russian military threat, urging member states to prepare for large-scale drone production to bolster defenses. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized the need for millions of drones to match Russia’s growing unmanned arsenal, citing lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield innovations.
Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia has redefined modern warfare, with drones accounting for 80% of Russian frontline losses. Along the 745-mile front line, dubbed “Death Valley,” drones dominate, rendering traditional tanks obsolete in minutes. “Nothing can move. Everything is controlled by drones. A traditional tank in that zone survives six minutes,” Kubilius told Sky News during a visit to Ukraine.
The country is set to produce over four million drones this year, a scale Kubilius used to estimate Lithuania’s needs: approximately three million drones to defend its 559-mile border with Russia and Belarus. Rather than amassing drones that could become outdated, Kubilius advocates for developing skilled teams of pilots, engineers, and manufacturers ready to scale production rapidly.
This approach aligns with NATO’s push to prioritize Drone Technology, with members committing to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. European startups are already responding, with Germany’s STARK testing loitering munitions designed for simplicity, and Alpine Eagle’s interceptor drone equipped with radar to engage enemy units up to 3 miles away.
The EU’s €150 billion loan scheme aims to boost defense production, including drones, across the bloc. Germany is investing in large quantities of attack drones and streamlining procurement, though bureaucratic delays persist. Britain is also pivoting, with a £2 billion investment in army drones and a new 20-40-40 strategy prioritizing unmanned systems.
The push for drone production underscores a strategic pivot toward scalable, tech-driven defense. For drone operators, this could mean increased demand for advanced systems and pilot training programs. However, the gap between current NATO capabilities and Russia’s drone swarm tactics highlights an urgent need for faster procurement and innovation.
Strategic Implications for Europe
The EU’s ability to close this gap will shape its security for decades. As Kubilius warned, “Russia can have around five million drones, so we need to have capacities bigger than those in order to prevail.” Building capacity, not stockpiles, is the key to addressing this threat.
Russia has officially recognized drone troopers as a distinct branch of its armed forces, a strategic move announced by Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a recent meeting on the country’s new ten-year armament program. This development underscores the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare.
Expanding Drone Integration in Russian Forces
The decision to establish drone troopers as a separate entity reflects Russia’s commitment to rapidly deploying and developing this capability. Putin emphasized, “In this connection, I would like to point out that we are now creating unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the armed forces, and it is necessary to ensure their deployment and development as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The training center, located in Russia’s far north, showcases advanced methods tailored to the region’s harsh conditions. In April 2025, Northern Fleet Head Commander Konstantin Kabantsev visited Franz Josef Land, where local forces demonstrated drone and anti-drone weapon operations. The center employs a phased training model: initial classroom learning, followed by simulator practice, and culminating in hands-on field training.
Sea Drone Development and Economic Implications
Russia is also exploring marine drones, with the Northern Fleet actively developing this technology. During a recent visit to Arkhangelsk, State Duma Defence Committee leader Andrei Kartapolov discussed sea drone logistics with regional governor Aleksandr Tsybulsky.
Global Drone Warfare Fuels Urgency
Modern drone warfare, vividly demonstrated in Ukraine and the Middle East, drives this scrutiny. In Ukraine, both sides have transformed unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from surveillance tools into devastating weapons.
House Republicans Demand Action on 350 Drone Incursions Over U.S. Military Bases in 2024
In 2024, U.S. military bases faced over 350 unauthorized drone incursions, prompting House Republicans to demand urgent answers from federal agencies. The Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs sent letters to the Departments of Defense (DoD), Transportation (DOT), and Justice (DOJ), citing fragmented responses and outdated policies as critical vulnerabilities.
Legislative Push for Stronger Defenses
The lawmakers advocate for legislative reform to streamline authority and enhance data sharing. “This is a rapidly evolving threat that requires a unified and proactive response,” the letter states, emphasizing resource allocation and operational clarity.
For recreational and professional drone pilots, heightened scrutiny may tighten airspace restrictions and Remote ID compliance. Operators near military installations could face stricter enforcement, with the FAA potentially fast-tracking rules to limit flights over critical infrastructure.
The push for counter-Drone Technology, like jammers or lasers, could also reshape how drones are designed and flown, balancing innovation with security. As global conflicts highlight drones’ dual-use nature, the U.S. seeks to secure its skies without stifling legitimate UAS growth.
Russia’s military is now using drones in increasingly complex missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations. The country’s drone capabilities have grown significantly since 2022, with multiple units taking part in drone-based operations.
In recent months, Russia has been actively testing new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies designed to counter enemy drones. These tests reflect Moscow’s growing focus on drone defense systems that can detect and engage hostile UAVs using a variety of methods, including radar, infrared, and electronic warfare capabilities.
To stay ahead of the competition, European militaries are investing heavily in cutting-edge drone technology, from reconnaissance and surveillance drones to combat drones capable of delivering precision-guided munitions.