Five major European military powers — the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland — have launched the Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms (LEAP) initiative to accelerate development of affordable drones and counter-drone technologies. The program reflects lessons learned from the Ukraine war, where unmanned aerial systems have transformed battlefield operations. Officials said the initiative will focus on rapid design, mass production, and deployment of cost-effective systems to strengthen NATO security. Participating nations have committed multi-million-dollar investments and aim to begin component production within a year. The ministers also emphasized greater European responsibility within NATO amid rising defense spending commitments.
