In the coming months, the European Union will propose a series of joint projects to develop drones and air defense systems. The initiative is part of a five-year plan to rearmament the continent and strengthen deterrence against Russia, Bloomberg reports, News.bg reports.
The plan, prepared by the European Commission, envisages a complete overhaul of military planning and the public procurement system within the EU. According to the document, member states should coordinate their defense spending and create coalitions to jointly develop new military programs.
These actions should begin as early as next year in order for Europe to achieve the set goal of full combat readiness by 2030.
By the end of 2027, the European Union will have to make joint purchases for 40% of its total defense orders - more than twice the current share, Bloomberg notes.
The document will be officially presented on Thursday and will be discussed by EU leaders during the upcoming summit in Brussels next week.