Europa Posted on 2026-02-21 11:12:00

European project for a continental “Peace Board” - Five defense ministers plan spending increases

From Dorian Koça

European project for a continental “Peace Board” - Five defense

A multi-million euro project is being launched by Europe's five biggest defence powers to produce low-cost air defence systems, such as drones and autonomous missiles, within a year, ministers told a conference in Krakow.

The war in Ukraine has shown how autonomous interceptor drones can provide an effective alternative to costly air defense missiles.

The European Board of Five Defense Ministers, which brings together France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Britain - countries with the highest military spending - met as leaders specialize the continent's defense field in the face of Washington's commitment to global defense through the 'Peace Board'.

"We have just signed a very important initiative on the joint development of forces in military activity in the face of ever-increasing technology and the joint procurement of low-cost drone effectors and payloads," said the Polish Defense Minister.

In military terminology, "effectors" are components of a system that produce a physical effect, while "autonomous platforms" are unmanned systems capable of independent decision-making.

Meanwhile, the 'Low Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms' initiative - known as LEAP - involves the development of low-cost advanced air defense systems - such as drones or autonomous missiles - the first project of which will be delivered by 2027, according to the British government.

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