The emergence of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) has reshaped the European aerospace and security landscape. With applications ranging from agriculture and logistics to recreational use, surveillance, and emergency response, drones have become a versatile tool across both commercial and governmental domains. Their growing presence in public and private spheres offers new opportunities—but also introduces new risks. These risks have intensified in recent years, driven in part by the widespread use of drones in military conflicts—most notably the Russia–Ukraine war—where drones have been employed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and offensive operations. The conflict has demonstrated the strategic impact of low-cost drones in contested environments, raising alarm across the world as similar technologies become increasingly accessible. At the same time, civilian airspace and critical infrastructure have faced growing challenges, including airport disruptions, aerial smuggling into prisons, and the unauthorized use of drones in densely populated areas—underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive governance and control.

Despite rapid advances in detection and mitigation technologies, there remains a clear need for a harmonized legal framework to support the effective deployment of C-UAS systems in real-world scenarios. One of the primary challenges facing European authorities today is the legal ambiguity surrounding how to deal with unauthorized or potentially dangerous drone activity. Enforcement agencies frequently lack the authority to intercept or neutralize drones, even when clear threats are identified. This limitation stems from a combination of factors: strict aviation safety regulations that offer little clarity on mitigation actions; strong data protection and privacy laws—such as the GDPR and the Law Enforcement Directive—that restrict surveillance and intervention; and the absence of harmonized EU-wide legal provisions governing drone takedown. In some member states, courts have even ruled that drone use by law enforcement to monitor public spaces is unlawful. The result is a critical enforcement gap: drones can be flown with relative impunity in sensitive or restricted areas, while public authorities remain constrained in their ability to respond.

In light of these challenges, the conversation across Europe is shifting. Rather than responding ad hoc to emerging threats, policymakers are increasingly recognizing the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework. The issue is no longer limited to drone operation—it now encompasses detection, identification, tracking, and the legal authority to act. What is taking shape is a layered response: one that defines the boundaries for lawful drone use, sets standards for counter-UAS technologies, and empowers enforcement agencies with clearly articulated mandates. This evolution is evident in both national initiatives and continent-wide collaborations that seek to bring clarity, consistency, and operational readiness to the governance of European airspace.

Germany: A Policy-Driven Acknowledgment of the Regulatory Gap

Germany has recently taken a clear policy step toward addressing the challenges posed by drones through its coalition agreement for the 2025 legislative term. Finalized in late 2024, the agreement outlines the government’s strategic priorities for the coming years and includes a dedicated section on internal security that explicitly addresses the risks associated with unauthorized drone activity. Rather than focusing solely on isolated incidents, the agreement emphasizes the need for a structured, national-level approach—spanning regulation, operational capacity, and legal authority—to guide how public agencies can detect, monitor, and mitigate drones within a clearly defined legal framework. It reflects a growing awareness within German policymaking circles of the need to close long-standing gaps in oversight and enforcement.

Key Measures:

  • Legal Infrastructure: The agreement pledges to establish the legal authority for law enforcement and national security agencies to detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized drones—addressing limitations previously imposed by civil aviation law.
  • Technical and Financial Support: The federal government commits to investing in counter-UAS systems, digital monitoring tools, and AI-powered detection technologies to enhance situational awareness and operational response.
  • Integrated Operations: Plans are in place to embed drone mitigation capabilities across federal police units, civil protection agencies, intelligence services, and emergency response frameworks.
  • Data Policy Reform: Acknowledging the privacy concerns linked to drone detection and biometric tracking, Germany aims to rebalance the relationship between public security needs and data protection—ensuring compliance with both national law and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Germany is advancing a comprehensive approach to countering unauthorized drone activities by integrating legislative reforms, military capabilities, and civil aviation strategies.

Legislative Reforms:

  • Amendment to the Aviation Security Act: In January 2025, the German Federal Cabinet approved a proposal to amend the Aviation Security Act, granting the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) the authority to neutralize unauthorized drones over critical infrastructure in emergencies. This measure allows military intervention when state police lack the necessary technical capabilities.
  • Federal Police Act Reform: A draft reform of the Federal Police Act is underway, aiming to empower police forces with advanced counter-drone tools, including electromagnetic pulses and radio signal disruption. This legislation seeks to enhance the ability of law enforcement to address drone-related threats effectively. ​

Civil Aviation Strategies:

National Drone Action Plan: Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure has outlined a National Drone Action Plan focusing on integrating drones safely into airspace, supporting innovation, and ensuring compliance with EU regulations. The plan emphasizes the importance of test beds and coordination among stakeholders to develop effective UAS policies. ​

These initiatives demonstrate Germany’s proactive stance in establishing a robust regulatory and operational framework to counter the challenges posed by unauthorized drone activities.

France has been taking tangible steps toward establishing a regulatory framework for countering unauthorized drone activities (C-UAS). While detailed, publicly available guidelines on specific mitigation techniques remain limited, several legal and institutional developments point to a broader national effort to define the roles, responsibilities, and operational scope for counter-drone actions.

  • Legal Authorization for Law Enforcement: In December 2024, the French Conseil d’État approved the use of drones by law enforcement agencies, following legal challenges concerning surveillance at public gatherings. This ruling provides a legal foundation for both surveillance and response capabilities in the context of public order and internal security.
  • Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024–2030: France’s latest Military Programming Law allocates €5 billion toward ground-to-air defense initiatives, including investments in counter-UAS technologies. This funding supports the acquisition and modernization of systems designed to detect, classify, and neutralize aerial threats.
  • Operational Practices and International Collaboration: France has also advanced C-UAS practices through international cooperation and major event security planning. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, a multi-layered drone security strategy was deployed, combining radar, sensors, cyber over RF, and neutralization tools. These real-world applications help inform ongoing regulatory development and capability refinement. (Source: IDGA)

Although technical measures such as jamming, interception, and cyber over RF takeovers are reportedly in use, their legal and procedural frameworks remain largely classified. Nonetheless, the combination of legislative support, defense investment, and operational deployment illustrates France’s intent to establish a more formalized and actionable C-UAS policy architecture.

The United Kingdom has taken a structured and legally grounded approach to countering unauthorized drones, driven in large part by high-profile incidents—most notably the Gatwick Airport drone disruption in 2018, which paralyzed air traffic and exposed critical vulnerabilities in airport security. In the years since, the UK government has moved to clarify roles, close legal gaps, and enhance operational readiness across public agencies and critical infrastructure.

Key Developments:

  • Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy (2019): This strategy set the foundation for the UK’s national approach, outlining the responsibilities of aviation authorities, law enforcement, security services, and industry stakeholders. It emphasizes risk-based responses, improved coordination, and the integration of both detection and mitigation technologies across sectors.
  • Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006: This existing legislation forms the legal basis for using radio-frequency jamming and other electronic interference techniques to disable or take control of unauthorized drones. It gives designated authorities the power to disrupt drone communications when necessary to protect public safety.
  • Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021: This more recent law further expanded the enforcement powers of UK police and aviation authorities. It allows officers to stop and search drone operators, issue fixed penalties, and access registration data. Crucially, it also formalizes the framework for creating drone flight restriction zones near airports, prisons, and sensitive sites.
  • Site-Specific C-UAS Deployments: In parallel with legislative reform, the UK has rolled out detection and mitigation technologies at high-risk sites, including major airports and correctional facilities. These systems typically involve radar, acoustic sensors, and RF-based tracking—enabling real-time situational awareness and rapid response to drone incursions.

Collectively, these measures reflect the UK’s shift from reactive event-based responses to a more proactive, policy-aligned strategy. By embedding counter-UAS capabilities within both legal and operational frameworks, the UK has positioned itself among Europe’s more advanced jurisdictions in terms of preparedness and clarity of authority.

Spain: Advancing Regulation Through Real-World Testing and Standardization

Spain has emerged as a strategic contributor to Europe’s evolving counter-UAS landscape, playing a central role in efforts to test, validate, and standardize counter-drone technologies and operational protocols. Rather than focusing solely on procurement or equipment deployment, Spain has prioritized regulatory alignment, cross-agency collaboration, and structured field evaluation of C-UAS capabilities.

A key element of Spain’s engagement is its active participation in INTERPOL’s Project COURAGEOUS, a European Commission-funded initiative aimed at harmonizing testing methodologies for counter-drone systems across member states. Spanish authorities—including the Guardia Civil and the Spanish National Police—have conducted operational trials in environments such as airports, stadiums, and border zones, helping to develop common reference scenarios for performance benchmarking and regulatory validation.

In parallel, Spain has been integrating C-UAS capabilities into national-level event security planning and critical infrastructure protection strategies. These initiatives are closely aligned with the broader goal of creating a consistent legal and technical framework that supports both enforcement action and technological readiness. Through its collaboration with European partners and practical commitment to system testing, Spain is helping to shape the regulatory standards that will underpin future C-UAS deployments across the continent.

Italy: Dual-Track Military-Civil Strategy for Counter-UAS

Italy has adopted a comprehensive approach to countering unauthorized drone activities by integrating military initiatives with civil aviation reforms. This strategy emphasizes both the development of advanced defense capabilities and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure national security and public safety.​

Military Initiatives:

  • Centre of Excellence for Counter Mini/Micro RPAS: Established in 2019 under the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command (COMACA) in Sabaudia, this center serves as a hub for research, training, and operational deployment of counter-UAS technologies. It plays a pivotal role in developing doctrines and conducting field tests to enhance Italy’s defense against mini and micro drone threats.
  • Participation in European Defense Projects: Italy leads the Counter-UAS project within the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), collaborating with other member states to develop standardized counter-drone systems and operational concepts. ​
  • Operational Deployments: The Italian Army has actively deployed counter-UAS units to safeguard high-profile events. Notably, during the 2023 Ryder Cup, specialized teams were tasked with detecting and neutralizing unauthorized drones to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. ​

Civil Aviation Reforms:

  • ENAC Regulations: The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has implemented regulations in line with EU Regulation 2018/1139, focusing on the safe integration of drones into national airspace. These regulations address operational limitations, certification requirements, and the establishment of designated airspace zones for drone activities. ​
  • U-Space Implementation: Italy is progressing towards the implementation of U-Space, a European framework aimed at managing drone traffic in low-altitude airspace. This initiative seeks to enhance situational awareness and coordination among drone operators and air traffic management entities. ​
  • ENAV’s Strategic Plan: ENAV, Italy’s air navigation service provider, has launched a strategic plan to develop a ‘drones as a service’ platform. This platform aims to provide integrated drone services across various sectors, including energy, transport, and surveillance, while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. ​

Through this dual-track strategy, Italy demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by unauthorized drones by combining military preparedness with robust civil aviation policies.

The examples above illustrate some of the national-level initiatives being implemented across Europe to address the regulatory and operational challenges posed by unauthorized drones. While this review highlights only a selection, many other European countries are actively developing legal frameworks, investing in counter-UAS capabilities, and strengthening institutional coordination. Collectively, these actions reflect a growing recognition of the need for a structured, enforceable, and future-oriented approach to drone governance—both at the national and continental level.

Toward a Unified European Counter-UAS Framework

As individual European nations advance their own counter-UAS strategies, the European Union is simultaneously fostering a coordinated approach to address the challenges posed by unauthorized drones. Key EU institutions and collaborative projects are at the forefront of this effort, aiming to harmonize regulations, standardize testing methodologies, and enhance operational capabilities across member states.​

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

EASA plays a pivotal role in establishing a cohesive regulatory environment for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within the EU. By developing comprehensive guidelines and safety protocols, EASA ensures that drone operations across member states adhere to consistent standards, facilitating both innovation and security in the aerospace sector.​

Joint Research Centre (JRC)

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is instrumental in advancing the EU’s counter-UAS capabilities. Through initiatives like the DRONE project, the JRC evaluates both passive and active countermeasure technologies, focusing on their application in protecting citizens, critical infrastructures, and public spaces. The JRC’s work includes the development of a “living lab” to test and refine C-UAS solutions in real-world scenarios, contributing to a best practice handbook for stakeholders. ​

Project COURAGEOUS

Funded by the EU’s Internal Security Fund Police, Project COURAGEOUS aims to develop standardized testing methodologies for detecting, tracking, and identifying illicit drones. By creating a set of standard threat scenarios and performance requirements, the project facilitates the evaluation of various counter-UAS systems. Validation trials conducted in Belgium, Greece, and Spain have already provided valuable insights, enabling law enforcement agencies to make more informed decisions when selecting appropriate technologies. In continuation of this work, INTERPOL is organizing a new live counter-drone exercise in Sevilla, Spain, during May 2025 and in San Diego during September 2025. The event will simulate complex urban scenarios using red and blue teaming techniques and is expected to further test the performance of emerging C-UAS solutions in realistic, high-pressure environments.
 This continued evolution reflects the growing need for standardized, evidence-based benchmarks that support the responsible deployment of C-UAS solutions across Europe and North America.

Aligning Regulation with Reality

Germany’s C-UAS initiative has spotlighted the urgency of creating responsive, modern frameworks to govern drones—not just for aviation safety, but for national and civil security. Across Europe, this urgency is translating into a two-tiered response: national governments are advancing legal authority and operational capacity, while EU institutions are working to standardize testing regimes, regulatory guidelines, and cross-border coordination mechanisms. As drone technology continues to evolve—gaining range, autonomy, and complexity, the risks associated with unauthorized or malicious use will intensify. Europe’s ability to mitigate these threats depends not only on the deployment of advanced technologies, but on the legal and institutional readiness to support them. The groundwork has been laid. Based on Sentrycs’ experience deploying C-UAS technologies across six continents, what’s needed now is a truly global framework—one that ensures sustained implementation, legal clarity, operational readiness, stronger interoperability between nations, and a shared commitment to securing low-altitude skies through coordinated regulation and action.