Allies also aim to train five times as many drone operators by the end of 2027. NATO said the measures are intended to strengthen Alliance readiness and resilience as drones continue to reshape modern warfare.
To support faster procurement, NATO will establish a counter-drone marketplace. The marketplace is intended to ensure that systems are NATO-tested, NATO-compatible and available for purchase.
NATO said Allies will also use the multinational Flight Training Europe initiative to support drone operator training. The initiative, known as NFTE, currently facilitates aircrew training and will be expanded to include training for drone operators.
Finland, France and Sweden joined the 17 existing NFTE members at the forum. Through the initiative, participating Allies have access to 16 NFTE flight centres across eight countries.
NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency also awarded a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars to procure surveillance drones for Allies. The announcement adds to wider efforts to improve drone-related capabilities across the Alliance.
NATO said drones have fundamentally changed the character of modern warfare and have become a decisive factor on the battlefield. It said effective defence depends on the ability to rapidly detect, identify and neutralise drones.
The planned investments, procurement tools and training expansion are aimed at improving both operational capability and resilience. NATO said these initiatives will be essential as Allies adapt to the growing role of drones in current and future conflicts.
