Building on the mobile and tactical discussions of day one, the second day of the Counter-UAS Technology Europe 2026 conference, sessions emphasized scalability, interoperability and the need for faster procurement and innovation cycles across Europe and allied nations.
UK perspective on layered air defense approaches
The day began with a keynote briefing from Air Marshal Allan Marshall, Air & Space Commander of the Royal Air Force, who set the tone by outlining the UK’s approach to air and space power in an era increasingly shaped by unmanned and autonomous threats.
He emphasized the growing importance of integrating counter-UAS within wider air and space operations, highlighting how the RAF is adapting to a battlespace where drones are now a persistent and evolving challenge.
Implementing counter-drone systems at scale
Myroslav Popovych of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry expanded on how Ukraine is implementing counter-drone systems across multiple levels. He detailed the current threat landscape and highlighted the role of domestic industry in rapidly developing and fielding solutions.
His remarks also pointed to the importance of collaboration between Ukraine and European partners as drone threats continue to expand across the region.
National priorities and airspace protection
Lieutenant Colonel John Hope of the Royal Norwegian Air Force outlined Norway’s current counter-UAS priorities, including the protection of civil airspace and the challenges of integrating new capabilities into existing frameworks.
His session highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination, particularly in balancing military requirements with civilian airspace considerations.
Procurement and NATO frameworks
Sean Bittick of NATO addressed the importance of rapid procurement mechanisms in delivering counter-UAS capabilities. He outlined how framework contracts are being used to accelerate acquisition and support the development of counter-drone capacity across the alliance.
His remarks highlighted the need for flexible and responsive procurement processes that can keep pace with the speed of technological change.
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