Five European NATO member states have pledged to bolster cooperation in response to increasing hybrid threats, including drone incursions and cyberattacks. The commitment was made following a meeting of defense ministers in Berlin on Friday.
Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, along with a representative of the EU’s foreign policy arm, reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. They also pledged to strengthen their own military capabilities.
“We will intensify our cooperation in countering hybrid threats to allies, including addressing the challenges posed by drones, cyberattacks, and disinformation,” read a joint statement released by the allied nations. The statement outlined plans to explore defensive measures such as counter-drone systems and enhance information sharing among European allies.
The ministers also committed to focusing on achieving NATO military capability targets and strengthening their domestic defense industries.
“Russian aggression is increasing. The war in Ukraine continues,” stated British Defence Secretary John Healey. He noted that the United States is rightly urging European nations to increase defense spending and contribute more to collective security.
“Let no one be mistaken, we are in a new era of threat, and this requires a new era of defense,” Healey added.
European nations have repeatedly accused Russia of waging hybrid warfare, a largely unconventional form of conflict that can include acts of sabotage, disinformation campaigns, and other disruptive attacks. There have also been numerous reports of drone sightings near airports and sensitive military sites across Europe in recent months. While European leaders have accused Russia of orchestrating these operations, Moscow has denied the allegations.
Several airports, particularly in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Poland, have been affected by these drone-related incidents.
