The five leading European countries - Germany, France, Poland, Great Britain, and Italy (Group E5) - have reached an important agreement in the field of defense. The LEAP (Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms) program, announced on February 20, aims to reduce the cost of air defense systems and develop autonomous drones. This project is based on the unique military experience accumulated during the four-year war in Ukraine.
Economical Defense: Intelligent Drones Instead of Million Airplanes
Previously, European countries had to launch fighter jets that cost millions of dollars to shoot down cheap drones that had broken into the border. The new program will change this balance. Now, low-cost, but high-precision electronic and kinetic shock devices controlled by artificial intelligence will be created.
As British spokesman Luke Pollard noted, the main goal of the project is to "adjust defense costs to the value of the threat," that is, not to spend millions to destroy a drone worth several thousand dollars.
"Antidron Wall" and autonomous technologies
According to Polish Defense Minister Władysław Koszynac-Kamysh, the five countries have agreed to jointly finance drone technologies and their components. This initiative will become an integral part of a large-scale "anti-drone wall" monitoring European airspace. These technologies are a response to the drone revolution, which has radically changed tactics on the battlefield.
The Trump factor and Europe's rearmament
Europe's rapid response is also due to US President Donald Trump's critical views on NATO and uncertainties in transatlantic relations. According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaya Kallas, against the backdrop of Russia's aggressive actions and instability in the Middle East, Europe must independently increase its military capabilities.
Tension within NATO
Trump's statements surrounding Greenland and criticism of allied troops have caused some coldness within the alliance. Therefore, European countries are striving to expand their capabilities within NATO without competing with it. The new program is expected to reduce the dependence on external factors in ensuring continental security.
How do you think Europe's independence from the US will affect NATO's future?
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