January 2026 has seen significant European advances in counter-drone technology, driven by lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict and increasing drone threats to NATO territory.
France Unveils Fury 120 Interceptor
French SME ALM Meca, based in Alsace, has developed the Fury 120—a microjet-powered interceptor drone designed specifically to counter low-cost, one-way attack drones like Iran’s Shahed and Russia’s Geran variants.
Key capabilities include:
- Sustained 20G maneuvers for low-altitude interceptions
- Microjet propulsion for speed and agility
- Developed in under one year with private funding
The rapid development timeline highlights how European SMEs are responding to urgent operational needs without waiting for traditional procurement cycles.
Poland Signs €3.6 Billion SAN Anti-Drone Contract
On January 30, Poland signed a contract for the SAN anti-drone system—described as Europe’s first integrated network designed to protect eastern borders following Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace.
The system includes:
- 18 batteries and 52 fire teams
- 18 command teams coordinating response
- 703 vehicles from Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, Advanced Protection Systems, and Kongsberg
- Delivery expected by 2027
The project is partially funded through the EU SAFE instrument, reflecting Brussels’ commitment to collective defense infrastructure.
France Delivers 1,000 Combat Drones
France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) announced delivery of the first 1,000 cost-controlled combat drones to the French Army on January 30. Production was completed by Harmattan AI in December 2025.
This milestone represents a shift toward mass-produced, affordable drone systems that can match adversaries’ ability to field large numbers of expendable unmanned platforms.
Strategic Implications
These developments signal Europe’s accelerating response to the drone threat environment demonstrated in Ukraine. The focus on both offensive capability (mass-produced combat drones) and defensive systems (interceptors and integrated networks) reflects a maturing understanding of modern drone warfare.
Sources: Army Recognition, Notes from Poland, Defense Mirror