Defence Online

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

Air February 25, 2026

The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, has formally launched the ‘Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ (LEAP) initiative to develop advanced air defence systems designed to protect NATO airspace.

Announced on 20 February 2026 during the European Group of Five (E5) meeting in Krakow, LEAP aims to deliver its first project – a lightweight, affordable surface-to-air weapon – by 2027. This initiative signals a strategic move toward the mass production of autonomous drones and missiles to counter modern aerial threats, specifically focusing on the proliferation of low-cost drone and missile technologies.

For the UK defence supply chain, LEAP introduces a procurement model that prioritises speed and adaptability over traditional, lengthy development cycles. This approach, inspired by rapid battlefield innovations observed in recent conflicts, is designed to integrate new technologies into the frontline at an accelerated pace. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the programme will actively seek proposals from both major prime contractors and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation, and precision engineering to contribute to a high-priority multinational programme.

The LEAP initiative is part of a broader trend of deepening UK-European defence industrial cooperation. The government is currently scaling up joint efforts to develop long-range precision and hypersonic weapons, with investment in these areas exceeding £400 million in the current financial year. These projects are underpinned by the UK’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, the largest sustained increase since the end of the Cold War. This increased funding provides a stable environment for long-term industrial planning and investment across the UK’s manufacturing base.

By focusing on “low-cost effectors,” the E5 nations aim to reinforce NATO’s integrated air and missile defence while simultaneously boosting industrial resilience. The emphasis on affordability and AI-driven autonomy suggests a shift toward modular design and agile manufacturing processes. Businesses within the UK supply chain should anticipate a procurement environment that values rapid prototyping and the ability to scale production quickly to meet the 2027 delivery target. As the UK continues to play a leading role in European security, these collaborative frameworks offer a consistent pipeline of work for sub-contractors involved in the design, testing, and manufacture of next-generation defensive capabilities. The launch of LEAP underscores a clear government mandate to secure the UK and its allies through sustained industrial innovation and shared investment.

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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.