Europe on the Brink of a Drone Apocalypse!
Imagine this: Russia has about 5 million drones, and Europe? Europe is just at the starting line of the race and honestly looks like it’s running in slippers while Russia is sprinting in racing shoes. Andrius Kubilius, EU Defense Commissioner, openly says Europe is not ready for a Russian drone attack. And not only that – he warns that a drone war could happen within the next five years!
Drones as the Weapon of the Future
The war in Ukraine has shown how deadly drones have become. Ukrainians have used cheap and adaptable technology to cause up to 80% of losses to Russian forces on the front line! Yes, you read that right – 80%! Ukraine plans to produce as many as 4 million drones this year. For comparison, Lithuania, with its roughly 600 km border with Russia and Belarus, would need about 3 million drones annually in case of war.
Europe in Panic, But Still Asleep?
Kubilius and other experts say Europe should not stockpile drones that would quickly become obsolete but must have ready teams of pilots, engineers, and manufacturers for rapid production when needed. But the reality is many European armies are only now beginning to develop or acquire unmanned systems. German startup Stark is testing “loitering munitions” – combat drones ready to be sent to Kyiv, but that’s just a drop in the ocean of needs.
NATO and Investments: Is It Enough?
At a recent NATO summit, members agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, with a special focus on drone technology and air defense. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte wants a fivefold increase in air defense. The UK plans to have an army by 2040 composed of 20% traditional equipment, 40% disposable drone munitions, and 40% high-tech drones. They will allocate an additional £2 billion for this.
But is it enough? German experts say European armies are far from ready. Ukraine produced about 1.3 million drones last year, while NATO probably bought only a few thousand. That means NATO’s drone stockpiles would be depleted within an hour in an intense conflict.
Technology is Changing Warfare – Who Will Be Ready?
Drones today kill more people than traditional artillery in the Ukraine war. Whoever delivers new technology to their army first will win. The German Chancellor promises the strongest conventional army in Europe, but the question is whether it will be fast enough.
Conclusion: Europe Must Adapt Fast or Sink into Drone Chaos
While Russia and Ukraine continuously upgrade their drone technologies, Europe struggles with bureaucracy and slow processes. The EU’s €1 billion credit program is a step in the right direction, but time is running out.
If you think drones are just toys for the rich, think again. They are now weapons that can change the fate of entire nations. Europe needs to wake up and start running – because in this race, the one who lags behind loses.
So, what do you think? Can Europe catch up with Russia in this drone race, or are we already too late? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for the drone revolution and who’s sticking to the old school with tanks and rifles!
