The EU convened a non-official defense summit on February 3, 2025, focusing on strengthening Europe’s military capabilities against Russia and other threats. Given the pressing need for autonomous defense systems, the EU plans to invest EUR500 billion (US$516.33 billion) over the next decade to bolster its military industry. Following the prominent role of drones in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, market observers anticipate substantial growth in Europe’s drone market as conventional warfare becomes increasingly technology-driven, with small unmanned aircraft emerging as a crucial segment.