UK and European Allies to Develop Low-Cost Air Defence Weapons to Protect NATO Skies

Why It Matters

LEAP provides NATO with faster, cheaper air‑defence capabilities, strengthening collective security and supporting Ukraine amid heightened Russian aggression.

Key Takeaways

• E5 nations launch LEAP for low‑cost air defence
• First system aims for delivery by 2027
• Focus on lightweight surface‑to‑air weapon against drones
• Program targets speed, AI, and SME participation
• UK defence spending rises to 2.6% GDP from 2027

Pulse Analysis

The emergence of inexpensive, swarm‑capable drones and low‑cost missiles has exposed a vulnerability in NATO’s traditional air‑defence architecture. European allies, recognizing the need for a more agile response, are turning to the LEAP initiative to fill the gap with affordable, high‑volume systems. By pooling research, funding, and procurement across the E5 nations, the program aims to bypass lengthy development cycles that have hampered previous projects, delivering a new generation of surface‑to‑air weapons that can be fielded quickly and at scale.

At the heart of LEAP is a blend of autonomous platforms and artificial‑intelligence driven targeting, enabling lightweight missiles and drone interceptors to operate with minimal human oversight. The initiative’s open‑architecture approach invites proposals from both established defence giants and innovative small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises, fostering a competitive ecosystem that can drive down costs while accelerating technology adoption. This focus on speed and modularity mirrors battlefield innovations seen in Ukraine, where rapid adaptation has become a survival imperative.

Strategically, LEAP strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence posture and deepens European industrial resilience. The UK’s commitment to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP underscores a broader shift toward sustained investment in cutting‑edge capabilities, including long‑range precision and hypersonic weapons. By delivering a cost‑effective air‑defence layer, the E5 partnership not only protects European skies but also signals a unified front in support of Ukraine, reinforcing political cohesion and ensuring that future threats can be met with coordinated, technologically advanced solutions.

UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies

Friday 20 February

Britain and its European allies will be better defended as they group together to develop new air‑defence weapons to protect European skies, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry has announced today.

At the European Group of Five (E5) meeting in Krakow, Britain, along with France, Germany, Italy and Poland, has launched the Low‑Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms initiative (LEAP).

LEAP will see the development of advanced low‑cost air‑defence systems – such as autonomous drones or missiles – the first project of which will be delivered by 2027, providing an unparalleled opportunity to harness European defence financing, leadership, AI and autonomy.

The Government is stepping up on defence, delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – 2.6 % of GDP from 2027 – to ensure that Britain and our allies are safe.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

“European security is at a pivotal moment. The UK and our E5 partners are stepping up – investing together in the next generation of air‑defence and autonomous systems to strengthen NATO’s shield and keep our people safe.

From innovation in our defence industries to our iron‑clad commitment to Ukraine, we’re showing that European nations are ready to deter, defend and, if necessary, fight together. I’m proud of UK leadership on European security – building partnerships, developing capability and standing with Ukraine to protect our shared security.”

Its first focus will be on a new surface‑to‑air weapon – a lightweight, affordable system designed to counter the drone and missile threat.

Rather than lengthy development cycles, and inspired by Ukraine’s battlefield innovation, the programme will prioritise speed and adaptability. LEAP will draw proposals from major defence manufacturers as well as small and medium‑sized enterprises.

The initiative comes as the UK is scaling up cooperation with European allies to develop new long‑range precision and hypersonic weapons, with spending on projects exceeding £400 million this financial year.

The E5, which brings together Europe’s five biggest defence spenders, continues to play a crucial role in reinforcing NATO’s defences, boosting industrial resilience, and providing unshakeable support for Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression.