European Defense Commissioner Suggests Creating A Drone Army To Fight Back Against Putin
- 26.06.2025, 10:45
Andrius Kubilius referred to the example of Ukraine and Lithuania.
Military intelligence predicts a Russian attack on NATO allies in the next five years. The EU could face millions of drones.
EU Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said this, RBC-Ukraine citing his interview with Sky News.
The threat from Russia
"Russia may have about 5 million drones, so we need capabilities beyond that to prevail," he said.
Kubilius warned that if Vladimir Putin ordered an attack, Europe would face a "battle-tested" Russian army capable of using "millions of drones."
The Ukraine Experience
Drones have become a key weapon as Ukraine's full-scale war begins. Ukrainian drone units are responsible for 80% of Russian equipment and manpower losses on the front line.
In the "valley of death" on the 1,200 km long front line, drones control all movements. A tank in this zone survives no more than six minutes under drone fire.
Lithuania's example
Lithuania, which borders Russia and Belarus by 900 kilometers, counts on 3 million drones in the first year of the conflict. This number is derived from Ukraine's 4 million for a less extensive front line.
Such a large-scale order would quickly create a dense "drone" barrier. The European Commissioner insists: Europe must have similar reserves to avoid being unprepared for "Day X".
European Union Preparedness
Producing millions of drones in advance is pointless - they would become obsolete in a matter of months. Instead, Europe should invest in training: operators, engineers and production managers.
It is equally important to develop production facilities and supply chains to launch mass production in the event of a threat. This approach will reduce storage costs and speed deployment.
The Role of Innovation and the Future of Drone Warfare
NATO at the Hague summit agreed to step up investment in drones and raise funds for air defense by a factor of five. Britain's "20-40-40" model is already putting drones at the center of tactics: the first wave is drones, followed by traditional platforms.
Companies across the continent are developing drone catchers with 5km radar and "flying bombs" for Ukraine's army. Germany and Britain are accelerating purchases and setting up joint manufacturing projects, realizing: whoever gets the new technology the fastest will win.