Articles[17]

The Drone Intercept Gap: Lessons From the February 28 Gulf Strikes

UAE air defences intercepted 80% of ballistic missiles but only 36% of drones — the differential reveals a structural challenge facing most Western air defence architectures

Iran's February 28 attack on the Gulf launched 541 drones and 165 ballistic missiles. UAE defences intercepted 80% of missiles but 36% of drones. The gap between these figures reflects a challenge shared by most Western air defence architectures.

From Munich Startup to €3 Billion Unicorn: The Quantum-Systems Story

How a former Bundeswehr helicopter pilot built Europe's fastest-growing drone company — and why NATO is buying

Founded in 2015 by a former military helicopter pilot, Quantum-Systems has grown from a PhD project to Europe's most valuable dual-use drone maker. With €340M raised in 2025, a €3B+ valuation, combat-proven systems in Ukraine, and contracts across 6 countries, the company is rewriting the rules of European defence technology.

Counter-UAS: The €30 Billion Arms Race Reshaping European Air Defence

An analysis of 165 counter-drone contracts across 16 nations reveals a market in hypergrowth — and a procurement doctrine being rewritten in real time

Our database tracks 165 counter-UAS contracts worth €29.9 billion across 16 nations. The market has tripled since 2022, driven by Ukraine, NATO eastern flank concerns, and a fundamental shift in how militaries think about air defence.

Baltic Drone Strategies: Small States Outpacing Major NATO Allies

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have emerged as leaders in military drone adoption among European NATO members, demonstrating procurement speeds that larger allies have struggled to match.

MALE Platforms Versus Mass Production: Europe's Drone Investment Dilemma

European defence investment has historically favoured large, expensive MALE platforms over mass-produced tactical drones. Operational data from Ukraine is prompting reassessment of this strategic allo

European Drone Production: Assessing the Capacity Gap

European military drone production capacity remains significantly below the levels defence analysts consider necessary for credible deterrence, with current output estimated at a fraction of Ukraine&#

Portugal to Commission Europe's First Drone Carrier in Late 2026

The NRP D. João II arrives late 2026: 107 meters of pure unmanned capability. No manned aircraft required.

European Military Drone Manufacturers: Industry Overview 2026

From defense giants to AI startups, here’s who’s actually manufacturing military drones in Europe right now.

Counter-Drone System Approaches: Kongsberg, Rheinmetall, and Rafael Compared

Europe’s top counter-drone suppliers take radically different approaches. Here’s what actually matters when choosing between them.

First-Person-View Drones in Ukraine: Operational Impact and Cost Dynamics

First-person-view drones costing €500 are destroying tanks worth €5 million. The math is changing modern warfare forever.

EU Drone Wall Initiative: Status and Implementation Challenges

Von der Leyen’s Drone Wall promises to shield the EU’s eastern border by 2030. But with France and Germany pushing back, can it actually be built?

Elbit Systems Completes Acquisition of UK Drone Manufacturer UTACS

Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems completes acquisition of UK-based UAV Tactical Systems, positioning for European drone production amid Watchkeeper phase-out.

France Awards MBDA Contract for One-Way Effector Attack Drone Programme

France’s DGA awards MBDA contract for One-Way Effector attack drones, with production scaling to 1,000+ units monthly. Deliveries begin mid-2027.

Ukraine Drone Warfare: Operational Lessons from 2025 Campaign Data

Ukraine’s 2025 drone campaign delivered 820,000 confirmed strikes and caused 75-80% of combat deaths. Here’s what European defense planners must learn.

Poland Signs €3.8 Billion Counter-Drone Contract with Kongsberg

Poland signs Europe’s largest counter-drone contract—€3.8 billion with Kongsberg to build 18 anti-UAV batteries along NATO’s eastern flank. Initial capability by end of 2026.

Europe Accelerates Counter-Drone Capabilities: France and Poland Lead January Developments

France unveils the Fury 120 interceptor drone, Poland signs €3.6B contract for SAN anti-drone system, and France delivers 1,000 combat drones to its army—all in January 2026.

Welcome to Drone Consult: European Defense Drone Intelligence

Independent analysis and intelligence on the European defense drone market. UAS platforms, counter-drone systems, policy, and industry developments.