Europe’s Anti-Drone Race Intensifies Amid Rising Aerial Threats from Ukraine War

In northern Denmark, engineers are assembling sophisticated anti-drone devices aimed at countering the surge of unmanned aerial threats reshaping modern warfare. What began as a regional defense initiative has evolved into a continent-wide effort, as Europe strengthens its defenses against drone incursions and battlefield technologies first tested in Ukraine.

Rising Demand for Counter-Drone Systems

Inside a warehouse in Aalborg, two Danish firms—MyDefence and Weibel Scientific—are working tirelessly to meet a growing wave of orders. Some of their systems are destined for Ukraine to disrupt Russian drones, while others are being deployed across Europe to shield airports, power plants, and military bases from unidentified aerial intrusions.

Weibel Scientific, a long-established radar manufacturer, recently provided its detection technology to Copenhagen Airport after drone sightings forced an airspace shutdown in September. MyDefence, meanwhile, produces handheld and wearable radio-frequency “jamming” devices designed to sever communication between drones and their pilots—effectively neutralizing airborne threats before they reach sensitive areas.

Although electronic jamming is heavily restricted across the European Union, it has become widespread in Ukraine’s conflict zones. There, Russian and Ukrainian forces are deploying increasingly advanced drones, some tethered to fiber-optic cables to avoid jamming, while others feature antennas designed to resist electronic disruption.

Europe on Alert After Mysterious Drone Flyovers

Drone warfare has become a defining feature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Both sides now rely heavily on unmanned systems for reconnaissance and attack missions, often striking deep behind enemy lines.

But recent incidents have brought the drone threat closer to home for European nations. In September, NATO members reported a surge of unidentified drones entering alliance airspace, triggering temporary closures and heightened alert levels. The scale of these flyovers—some near critical infrastructure—prompted European leaders to propose a joint “drone wall” stretching from Norway to Turkey.

In November, NATO officials confirmed the deployment of a new U.S.-made counter-drone system along the alliance’s eastern flank. The incidents have raised pressing questions about how prepared Europe is for potential aerial provocations, with some defense analysts suggesting the incursions may be deliberate attempts to test NATO’s response.

The Kremlin has denied involvement, dismissing allegations that Russia orchestrated the unidentified flights.

Europe’s Search for Defense Solutions

According to Andreas Graae, assistant professor at the Royal Danish Defense College, European nations are in a race to close the gap in drone defense capabilities.

“There’s a huge drive right now to deploy counter-drone systems rapidly,” Graae said. “We don’t yet have everything needed to detect, track, and respond to these new challenges effectively.”

The urgency reflects a growing recognition that Europe’s skies are becoming the next frontier in hybrid warfare—blurring the line between conventional military aggression and technological disruption.

MyDefence: From Battlefield Innovation to Civil Protection

Founded in 2013, MyDefence initially developed systems to protect soldiers on the battlefield. Its flagship “Wingman” wearable detector has become one of Ukraine’s most sought-after anti-drone tools, with more than 2,000 units delivered since Russia’s invasion.

Company CEO Dan Hermansen said the war has been a “turning point,” transforming the firm’s focus and accelerating demand for drone countermeasures across both defense and civilian sectors.

“For the past few years, we’ve heard from Ukraine that they want to put machines before people—to save lives,” Hermansen told reporters.

The firm’s revenues doubled last year to about $18.7 million, reflecting surging global interest. Following the recent drone flyovers at Danish airports, MyDefence began receiving inquiries from police forces and operators of critical infrastructure—signaling a shift from purely military applications to broader public security use.

“Drone warfare is no longer something distant or confined to the frontlines,” Hermansen said. “It’s now a hybrid threat that all European nations must prepare for.”

Weibel Scientific’s Radar Tech Gains Global Attention

North of Copenhagen, Weibel Scientific has been producing Doppler radar systems since the 1970s, traditionally for aerospace and missile-tracking purposes. Today, the company’s technology plays a key role in detecting drones, using radar signals to determine velocity and direction.

CEO Peter Røpke said the Ukraine war has accelerated demand for such systems worldwide.

“The evolution of drone warfare over the past two years has driven unprecedented interest in our radar solutions,” Røpke explained. Earlier this year, Weibel signed a $76 million deal—its largest contract to date—amid discussions about Europe’s proposed drone defense network.

Røpke said Weibel’s radar systems could serve as a “key component” in any future “drone wall” project coordinated by NATO and European allies.

NATO Deploys New U.S. Anti-Drone System

On NATO’s eastern flank, Denmark, Poland, and Romania are now deploying the American-made Merops system—a compact, AI-powered defense platform capable of identifying and intercepting drones even when satellite signals or communications are jammed.

According to alliance officials, the goal is to strengthen deterrence along Europe’s eastern borders, ensuring Russian forces think twice before testing the limits of NATO’s airspace. The Merops system’s mobility—small enough to fit in a pickup truck—makes it adaptable to both urban and field operations.

A New Era of Aerial Defense

Europe’s growing investment in counter-drone systems marks a critical evolution in modern defense strategy. What began as a response to drone attacks in Ukraine has expanded into a comprehensive effort to safeguard the continent’s skies from espionage, sabotage, and potential acts of aggression.

As the region braces for the next wave of technological warfare, Danish companies like MyDefence and Weibel Scientific are emerging as vital players in Europe’s defense architecture—bridging the gap between battlefield innovation and homeland security.

For now, the drone threat continues to evolve faster than most systems can adapt. But across Europe, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, nations are racing to ensure their skies are no longer the weakest link in continental defense.