EU to create program unifying UAV creation in order to compete with U.S. drones

11/19/2013 - 00:00

Several European Union countries, including France and Germany, have agreed to form a "drone users club" to develop a rival to the US and Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

In a meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels on Tuesday, the participants approved a project to develop a "European generation" of drones in 10 years. 

Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain are the other members of the club. 

“If Europe hopes to maintain a strategic capability, countries must pool their capacities and actions in a pragmatic way,” said French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, adding that the European Defense Agency has been tasked with preparing a list of military prerequisites.