Defending Europe’s skies and critical infrastructure is becoming the test of our times. From Russian drones breaching Polish and Baltic airspace to civilian airports in Denmark and Germany disrupted by unidentified UAVs, the threat is real.
The European Commission is right to elevate drone defence to a European priority. But urgency now must translate into actions. We need a coordinated, modular, and industry-backed system capable of acting today, not in 2030.
Ahead of tomorrow’s Commission’s 2030 Defence Readiness Roadmap, Rasmussen Global CEO Fabrice Pothier said: “Europe needs its own Frontex for drone defence — a kind of Dronetex: modular, coordinated, and Europe-wide. Our skies won’t be defended by physical walls, but by high tech networks of radars, sensors and anti drone systems. Critical infrastructure also needs to be protected Europe wide from drone or cyber threats – this can be a crucial way for the Commission to make the case to Southern European states.”
Key recommendations
1. From “wall” to network – a European “Dronetex” for drone defence
Shift from the notion of “drone wall” to a multi-layered European network of interoperable sensors, interceptors, and command systems. Defence must mean integration, not isolation.
2. Modular deployment.
Adopt a modular approach — different settings (urban, border, frontline) demand distinct layers and tools.
3. Industry coordination
Bring European defence companies and startups into the design phase now. Off-the-shelf systems can deliver rapid technical operability.
4. Integrate Ukraine
Institutionalise Ukrainian battlefield expertise and data into EU planning and training. Ukraine is Europe’s live testing ground — its lessons save time and money.
5. Fast-track governance and pilots
Set up a light European coordination structure and fund three pilot deployments within 12 months to turn words into capability.
Notes
Rasmussen Global is a geopolitical consultancy working with drone industry companies amongst others and was founded in 2014 by Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Secretary General of NATO and Prime Minister of Denmark.
CEO Fabrice Pothier is available for media comment.
Media contacts
Daniel Puglisi
Senior Director Communications, Spokesperson