Clearing the Skies: European Security Architecture in the Age of Unmanned Warfare

As unmanned systems reshape the conduct of war, they are also reshaping the strategic questions facing Europe. No longer a niche capability, drones and counter-drone systems now sit at the intersection of deterrence, industrial readiness, critical infrastructure protection and societal resilience. Ukraine is not only where these changes are being observed most clearly, but where Europe’s future model of warfare, adaptation and defence innovation is being tested in real time. For Europe, the challenge is therefore not simply how to scale unmanned capabilities, but how to embed them in a broader security architecture that is faster, more integrated and better aligned with Ukraine’s operational experience.

The real question is no longer simply whether unmanned systems matter for European defence, but what the changing character of war, and Ukraine’s experience at its forefront, reveals about the kind of security architecture Europe now needs.

This invitation-only roundtable will offer a private, policy-focused discussion under Chatham House rules, designed to encourage frank exchange rather than set-piece interventions. Bringing together senior diplomatic, policy and cross-sector perspectives, it will create a multidisciplinary discussion space distinct from the standard Brussels format.

Related content:

• Event | Clearing the skies: elevating European capabilities in drone and counter-drone systems
• Event | Clearing the skies: scaling Europe’s drone and counter-drone innovation
• Insight | Here come the drones: how can Europe “keep calm and carry on”?

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PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock| Es sarawuth