EU Plans Million-Drone Army Preparedness Against Potential Russian Attacks

EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius has warned that Europe must prepare to build an army of millions of drones to defend against a potential Russian attack within the next five years. Military intelligence suggests Russia could deploy up to five million drones, and Europe needs greater capacity to prevail, with a focus on developing teams of pilots, engineers, and manufacturers to rapidly scale production rather than stockpiling drones that would quickly become obsolete. Ukraine's use of over four million drones in 2025 alone has demonstrated the effectiveness of unmanned technology, with drone units responsible for 80% of Russian frontline losses and dominating combat along the 1,200 km frontline area dubbed "Death Valley." Lithuania, sharing a 900 km border with Russia and Belarus, plans to produce three million drones in the first year of conflict to create a dense drone defense barrier. Both Russia and Ukraine are continuously upgrading drone technologies, prompting European countries and startups to innovate with loitering munitions and interceptor drones to counter enemy drones effectively. NATO members, including the UK, are increasing investments in drone capabilities and air defense as unmanned technology becomes central to future defense doctrines.