The UK and four European allies have launched a new joint air defence initiative aimed at strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and protecting European airspace.
At a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) in Krakow on Friday (20 February), the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland unveiled the Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms (LEAP) programme.
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said European security is at a “pivotal moment”, highlighting closer defence cooperation and continued support for Ukraine.
The first LEAP project — expected by 2027 — will focus on a lightweight, low-cost surface-to-air weapon designed to counter drone and missile threats.
Key developments:
• Development of autonomous drones and missile defence systems
• First capability delivery targeted for 2027
• Over £400 million allocated this financial year for long-range and hypersonic weapons projects
• Collaboration between major defence firms and SMEs
The UK plans to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP from 2027, marking its largest sustained increase since the Cold War.
ℹ️ GOV. UK
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