The European Commission is strengthening EU member states’ capabilities to deploy and counter drones by allocating an additional €130 million to enhance border security.
The European Commission’s press service announced the funding.
“This is part of the EU's efforts to strengthen border surveillance and improve responses to emerging security threats. The new funding comes on top of an initial allocation of €250 million as announced in December 2025 and a further €169 million made available earlier this year to fund surveillance drones and related equipment for use by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and Member States,” the Commission said.
This brings total funding for drone surveillance and counter-drone technologies under the EU’s Home Affairs Funds to more than half a billion euros.
The funding is expected to help EU member states improve situational awareness, protect the EU’s external borders more effectively and respond to risks associated with the unauthorised or hostile use of drones.
In February, the European Commission presented the EU Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security, aimed at protecting airspace and critical infrastructure from threats associated with the malicious use of drones. Among other measures, the plan provides for the establishment of a Counter-Drone Centre of Excellence to support innovation in this field.
The new funding also complements resources already available to member states through the European Defence Fund for the development of advanced drone and counter-drone technologies. Under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, member states have also committed to jointly procuring drone and counter-drone systems.
