Defense Industry Leaders Support EU’s Proposed Drone Defense System
October 2, 2025 - Major European defense companies – BAE Systems, Saab, and Rheinmetall – have expressed support for the European Union’s initiative to establish a comprehensive drone defense system, often referred to as a “drone wall,” along its eastern flank. The plan gained momentum as EU leaders convened on Wednesday, with several nations contributing anti-drone equipment, expertise, and personnel to bolster Denmark’s defenses.
Rheinmetall, in particular, advocates for a layered approach to counter-drone technology, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of cannon-based systems. “We believe that a combination of several countermeasures must be implemented,with cannon-based drone defense taking centre stage in our view,as this is the only cost-effective measure,” a Rheinmetall spokesperson stated. Thay further clarified that a cannon-based system represents the “ideal means” of defending against drones at close range, balancing cost, efficiency, and reliability.
The progress of the drone defense system is also being welcomed by smaller players in the defense sector. Jens Holzapfel, business director at Swedish defense drone company Nordic Air Defense (NAD), described the plan as “bold and ambitious,” adding, “I think it is indeed very critically important and we certainly welcome that initiative as every investment in drone defense is much needed and, of course, it is very pleasant to see that European leaders are uniting around a common perception of the threat.”
Though, Holzapfel cautioned against oversimplification, noting that the “drone wall” will require a complex network of interoperable radars, sensors, and countermeasures. He also highlighted the potential for drone attacks originating within EU territory, referencing Ukraine’s earlier “spiderweb” drone attack on targets deep inside russia as a possible inspiration for non-state actors or nation-state adversaries.
Holzapfel expressed concern that bureaucratic hurdles and internal disagreements between EU member states could hinder the project’s timely implementation. “My concern is that the establishment of the drone wall will drown in the regular European bureaucracy and haggling between member states over who’s calling the shots, and which companies will be involved, and so forth,” he said. ”It’s last minute to establish a drone wall and I’m worried that we will not be able to pull this off at the speed that is required.”
Ukraine, with significant experience in drone warfare after three years of conflict with Russia, is also contributing its anti-drone expertise to the effort.