The Council of the European Union has approved a new collaborative project focused on drones and counter-drone technology as one of the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs).

The DronE and Counter-Drone European Resolve (DECODER) project is intended to help participating European countries develop, scale up and deploy drones and technologies designed to counter hostile unmanned aircraft.

According to the Council, the project will address critical drone and counter-drone capability gaps across participating countries. DECODER will now be eligible to receive EU funding through the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), potentially supporting the project’s initial deployment.

Further financial support could also become available through the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund.