How Is Europe Navigating Drone Defence Procurement?

The increasing use of drones in modern conflict is compelling European nations to accelerate their defence procurement processes creating complex challenges for supply chain and procurement professionals.

The conflict in Ukraine has brought the subject of drone technology to prominence in continental discussion following reports of drone sightings in Poland, Romania, Denmark, Norway and Germany.

Following these events European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has put forward a proposal for a new defensive system along the EU's eastern border: a 'drone wall'.

This would not be a physical structure but a multi-layered system of detection and interception technologies building upon the anti-drone capabilities individual EU member states already possess.

"Europe must deliver a strong and united response to Russia's drone incursions at our borders," she said.

Streamlining drone procurement and supply chains

This heightened need for drone defence has led to calls for more efficient acquisition processes.

At a Copenhagen summit European leaders supported stronger regional drone defence capabilities.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson while advocating for streamlined procurement rules maintained that individual nations should manage their own anti-drone defences rather than the bloc.

Speaking to Reuters he said: "The EU is not a defence organisation. (...) Every country needs to build up these capabilities and then we need to cooperate very closely to be able to detect drones."

An example of this accelerated procurement can be seen in the UK where the Ministry of Defence awarded a contract to Viking Arm for a fleet of first-person view training drones.

The procurement cycle was completed in 19 days delivering 180 drones to the British Army including 12.7cm (5"), 20.3cm (8") and 25.4cm (10") models with necessary accessories.

This action aligns with the UK government's strategy to increase investment in autonomous technology.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: "As set out in the Strategic Defence Review we plan to use drones data and digital warfare to ensure our Armed Forces stronger and safer whilst boosting jobs and innovation across the UK.

"This trial is an example of our Government’s new partnership with industry, delivering the cutting-edge technology to our front line troops and making defence an engine for growth as part of our Plan for Change."

Navigating international sourcing and collaboration

The need for drone capabilities extends to international partnerships. A team from Ukraine's Ministry of Defence engaged in technical discussions with the United States regarding a 'Drone Deal'.

The talks centred on procuring Ukrainian-made drones and ensuring their effective use.

Ukraine provided detailed specifications for its drone models and discussions were held with officials across the US military to align the systems with American operational needs.

These conversations are a step toward finalising the 'Drone Deal' announced by President Zelenskyy which includes a five-year procurement plan for Ukrainian drones and potential collaborative manufacturing.

Both countries also discussed weapons deliveries through the Presidential Drawdown Authority mechanism focusing on 2026 supply schedules.

Switzerland is also enhancing its counter-drone measures to protect military installations.

Following tests the Swiss armed forces have tasked armasuisse the federal defence procurement agency with acquiring these systems.

"Based on these findings and due to the increasing number of drone sightings," the Army had instructed armasuisse to prioritise procurement of defence systems against micro and mini drones the government said in a statement.

The fragmented drone vendor ecosystem

Procuring drone technology presents distinct supply chain challenges.

The market is characterised by a fragmented vendor ecosystem with thousands of specialised providers of hardware software and analytics solutions that require integration.

Many organisations may not have the in-house expertise needed to draft precise specifications or assess complex bids which adds another layer of difficulty.

The procurement of drones is difficult as it involves fast-evolving technology intricate regulations and strategic risk.

This demands a new level of technical knowledge supplier governance and long-term planning from procurement teams.

As drones continue to shape defence and security strategies the ability to acquire them efficiently has become an indicator of national readiness.

The challenge for Europe lies not just in defending its airspace but in modernising the procurement and supply chain systems that facilitate that defence.