THE EUROPEAN UNION has announced a major new action plan to deal with the growing issue of drone security.

The plan is designed to increase counter drone capability across all member states.

The four stage strategy will enhance the detection of drones by using technologies and 5G phone networks to detect the drones.

It will also increase member states’ ability to confront the drone threat. 

The EU will work with member states on the proposed actions and develop partnerships with industry.

Part of the strategy will see the creation of National Drone Security Coordinators in each member state.

The Action Plan already has a head start as the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre is working on developing new technology to deal with drones. That centre is based out of a lab in Geel, Belgium.

Barry Andrews MEP, who recently published a report on shortcomings in Irish defence, welcomed the move by the EU.

He blamed the incursions on Russia and said that Ireland must now appoint a National Drone Security Coordinator to make sure that the Irish military, policing, airport and other critical services work together.

As revealed by The Journal recently the Irish Defence Forces told An Garda Síochána that it will not be able to deploy counter drone tech at multiple locations during the EU Presidency. 

“Ireland has already experienced suspicious drone activity during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Dublin in December last year. Our military neutrality and position on the periphery of Europe does not make us immune to drone threats.

“Ireland needs to cooperate within the EU on joint procurement, improved detection technologies, investment, and ensuring supply chains.

“As I have called for in my recent defence paper, Ireland needs to get serious about its own defence and determine the rules-of-engagement surrounding suspicious drone incursions. We need proactivity now, and not reaction after a major security incident,” he said.