Key facts
- NATO is seeking industry collaboration to develop cost-effective solutions against drone threats.
- The second AIRCOM Industry Day at Ramstein Air Base focused on innovation in counter-unmanned systems.
- The high cost of NATO's current drone interception methods is a significant concern.
- Ukraine's experience in drone warfare is considered crucial for developing effective counter-measures.
- Reliable radar detection is identified as a key gap in current counter-drone capabilities.
- Numerous European defense companies showcased advanced counter-UAS technologies.
NATO is facing a growing challenge from unmanned systems, prompting a shift towards industry collaboration for more cost-effective countermeasures. The recent AIRCOM Industry Day at Germany's Ramstein Air Base convened European defense manufacturers and military officials to address this escalating threat.
Incidents such as drones crashing into homes in Romania, violating Lithuanian airspace, and causing disruptions at Munich Airport underscore the urgency of the issue. NATO's current response, which involves deploying expensive fighter jets to intercept relatively inexpensive drones, is proving to be an unsustainable financial burden. A single interception can cost tens of thousands of euros, far exceeding the price of the drones themselves.
Lieutenant General Guillaume Thomas, Deputy Commander of the Allied Air Command, highlighted that drone warfare presents 'collective challenges' for NATO, particularly noting Russia's extensive use of drones in Ukraine. He stressed the need for the alliance to advance on three critical fronts: cost, production, and innovation, emphasizing close cooperation between industry and the armed forces.
Dr. Ulrike Franke, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted that drones have introduced 'mass to the battlefield,' compelling NATO to prioritize cost-effective solutions and leverage insights from Ukraine. She described collaboration with Ukraine as a 'requirement' for countering drone threats.
Senior Lieutenant Oleksandr Vorobiov, representing Ukraine's air defense, identified unreliable radar detection as a significant shortcoming. He explained that existing radar systems, often designed for other purposes, frequently lose track of small drones, hindering the development of fully autonomous interceptor systems and necessitating manual operation.
Lieutenant Colonel Steffen Bott, the event's project manager, stated that the military has identified specific operational requirements for counter-UAS technologies, which are evolving rapidly. He noted that while military procurement processes are slower, start-ups and established defense companies are driving innovation in this field.
Approximately 35 companies showcased their latest counter-UAS systems, including radars, interceptor drones, and missiles. MBDA presented a specialized counter-drone missile designed for cost-efficient engagement of mass drone attacks, similar to those seen in Ukraine and the Middle East. Rheinmetall is integrating this missile into its Skyranger 30 air defense system, with initial deliveries slated for Germany's brigade in Lithuania between 2027 and 2028.
While Ukrainian companies were not present at the event, Ukraine remained a central topic. Turkish defense giant Aselsan emphasized the need for reliable, AI-driven systems to shorten decision-making times in counter-drone operations. Alta Ares, a French company specializing in AI-powered counter-drone software, highlighted their close work with Ukrainian units to understand battlefield needs and develop integrated AI solutions for drones. The company also noted a significant demand for such solutions, leading to an MOU with German drone company Quantum Systems.