Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance
The DragonFire LDEW is expected to be integrated onto the UK Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers in 2027. (Photo: Crown copyright)
Europe’s air defence debate is increasingly shaped by the blunt economics of the field. While high-value interceptor missiles can effectively shoot down cheap drones, doing so at scale presents cost challenges.
The rapid proliferation of drone warfare, intensified by lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war, has put air defence systems under pressure, exposing potential gaps and inefficiencies and increasing European awareness on the need for counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) capabilities.
Within this challenge lies a well-documented imbalance, with cheap, expendable drones creating a favourable cost-to-destructibility ratio for the traditionally ‘weaker’ side. This imbalance raises a fundamental question that European nations are beginning to confront: whether an interceptor-based air defence system can economically scale to sustainably counter the volume of modern air threats.
For Europe, Operation Epic Fury has served as a wake-up call. According to research from
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum]()
Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum
As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
-
![Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows]()
Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows
The procurement and planned procurement of articulated tracked all-terrain vehicles is being driven by a need to replace older platforms and an acknowledgement of a capability gap for Arctic regions.
-
![Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier]()
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
