Europe's main military powers to develop low-cost air-defence systems - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwwFBVV95cUxOcE9SYWM3Sk0ySW1kQTdzZURJbzFxc29PSy14U2pvZWdnZng2dmtCd0ctSDdUYkswZEo2dS1ONkVzT0Z2a1g5dG1iY0g5UC1iUDZjM0ZTNEpsOXVTbXdNVEJVNmRNMmEwd1pqLWYyazVPaEtZQjRTSmxlMm1xT0Mzci1obnBhOC1BcFNHT0JqQ0pHaHd4R2ZDMW44akRhbHJIaS1sdXNYYzRyN3NTWUxvemdJeGVJdHJ0ZUJta3lpNWR5VjA?oc=5" target="_blank">Europe's main military powers to develop low-cost air-defence systems</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

The E5 Defense Ministers, including Poland, have endorsed the LEAP program to develop low-cost autonomous drones, drawing inspiration from Ukraine's defense needs.

Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, and Sweden have announced a joint initiative to develop a low-cost loitering munition with a range of over 500 kilometers, targeting enemy air defenses and strategic sites.

France, Poland, Germany, the UK, and Italy have launched the LEAP program to develop low-cost air defense systems using Ukrainian drone warfare expertise.

Sweden has announced a 12.9 billion crown ($1.42 billion) military aid package for Ukraine focused on bolstering air defenses, including advanced short-range air defense capabilities.

Five European nations—France, Poland, Germany, the UK, and Italy—have launched a joint initiative to develop low-cost air defense systems and autonomous drones using Ukrainian expertise gained during its conflict with Russia. Named the LEAP (Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms) program, this effort aims to create affordable air defense and autonomous drone systems, including AI-driven combat payloads. The move is a response to increasing drone incursions in European airspace and the high cost of using expensive military aircraft to counter them. The program also serves as a broader response to growing security threats from Russia, instability in the Middle East, and tensions within NATO, particularly under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. European defense leaders stress the importance of fortifying Europe's security capabilities while strengthening NATO. Poland is already collaborating with Ukraine on drone manufacturing and military training. The initiative is part of broader European efforts to build resilience along its borders, exemplified by the concept of a 'drone wall' between Europe and Russia/Ukraine.

Italy, the UK, and Japan are considering inviting Germany to join their Global Combat Air Programme, a next-generation fighter jet initiative launched in 2022.

European skies to be defended by advanced surface-to-air weapon under new multinational scheme. Britain and its European allies will be better defended as they group together to develop new air defence weapons to protect European skies, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry has announced today. At the European Group of Five (E5) meeting today, Friday 20 February, in Krakow, Britain along with France, Germany, Italy and Poland have launched the ‘Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ initiative, known as LEAP. LEAP will see the development of advanced low-cost air defence systems – such as autonomous drones or missiles – the first project of which will be delivered by 2027, providing an unparalleled opportunity to harness European defence financing, leadership, AI and autonomy.