EDA and EUROCONTROL: U-space framed as strategic defence enabler at Helsinki stakeholder meeting

The European Network of U-space Stakeholders met in Helsinki on 15 April 2026, co-organised by DG MOVE, EUROCONTROL, EASA, EDA, and SESAR JU. EDA Deputy Director Christopher Vivier stated that U-space is a strategic enabler for European defence, given increasing illegal and hostile UAS activity around EU borders and critical infrastructure. The EU Drone Strategy 2.0 is to be updated in 2026 with significantly greater emphasis on security of critical assets and dual-use drone operations. EDA is working with Member State militaries to ensure safe and reliable military airspace access via U-space frameworks.

In this domain: Counter-drone market moves from standalone products to layered integrated architectures, operational deployments accelerating · European Security & Defence: C-UAS options survey covering AI-driven interceptors and Poland’s $4.2 billion border system · EU invests €1.07bn in 57 EDF defence projects covering drone defence, AI and counter-UAS across 26 member states