Defense ministers from five European countries—Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom—announced a collective effort to develop new low-cost autonomous drones, named Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms (LEAP). The initiative was revealed during a meeting in Krakow, Poland, and aims to produce these drones within a year as part of NATO's ongoing efforts to bolster air defense against potential threats, particularly from Russia.

The UK's Deputy Defense Minister, Luke Pollard, emphasized the advanced military resources collectively available to these countries and described this initiative as the first step in a series of forthcoming projects. The LEAP program focuses on creating 'effectors' for drones—components that perform actions on targets, including explosives and mechanical functions. This move addresses growing concerns regarding airspace security in Europe in light of increased asymmetric threats.

The establishment of the LEAP initiative is significant not only for its practical implications in defense technology but also for its geopolitical context, underscoring a united European front in the face of modern security challenges. With tensions escalating in Eastern Europe, this collaborative effort reflects an urgent prioritization of defense strategies that can effectively counter emerging threats, ensuring the protection and security of European skies.