In a startling display of military strategy, Russia launched nearly two dozen drones into NATO territory, sparking alarm and urgency within the alliance. This deliberate move tests NATO’s defence readiness, prompting calls for swift innovation to counteract the rising drone threat. With drones costing Russia as little as $10,000 each, NATO faced a costly defence mobilisation involving multimillion-dollar fighter jets.

 

The drones, believed to be inexpensive Gerbera models made of plywood and Styrofoam, highlighted a significant economic disparity in military spending. Experts noted that the unsustainability of current defence strategies, due to their high financial burden, was highlighted when ATO aircraft were scrambled. Analyst Robert Tollast emphasised that while NATO can counter drone attacks effectively, the cost makes such operations impractical in the long term.

 

The challenge extends beyond financial concerns, touching on NATO's procurement processes. Johannes Pinl, CEO of MARSS, criticised the alliance’s outdated procurement systems, obstructing the swift adoption of existing technologies. MARSS’s innovations, including reusable interceptor drones, are hampered by bureaucratic delays, limiting defensive capabilities.

 

Despite these hurdles, new ventures are emerging. Companies like Tekever and Origin Robotics are rapidly developing drone technologies, tested in real-time by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK, for instance, has acquired significant drone numbers from Tekever, adapting them for electronic warfare. This highlights a shift in military procurement, urging closer industry-government collaboration.

 

Looking forward, military and industry leaders are calling for accelerated adoption of advanced technologies to match escalating threats. NATO members are urged to streamline procedures, ensuring timely deployment of cost-effective solutions. Richard Knighton, UK Chief of Defence Staff, advocates for wartime-paced innovation, echoing similar sentiments across Europe and the US.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Russia’s drone incursions expose NATO's financial and strategic vulnerabilities.
• NATO’s outdated procurement processes slow down technological adoption.
• New industry-government collaborations could redefine defence strategies.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-09-22

 

 

I’d certainly be working hard with the Ukrainians on finding the solution unfortunately they are getting a lot of experience dealing with this threat and have a keen interest in mitigating it.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

 

In a startling display of military strategy, Russia launched nearly two dozen drones into NATO territory, sparking alarm and urgency within the alliance. This deliberate move tests NATO’s defence readiness, prompting calls for swift innovation to counteract the rising drone threat. With drones costing Russia as little as $10,000 each, NATO faced a costly defence mobilisation involving multimillion-dollar fighter jets.

 

The drones, believed to be inexpensive Gerbera models made of plywood and Styrofoam, highlighted a significant economic disparity in military spending. Experts noted that the unsustainability of current defence strategies, due to their high financial burden, was highlighted when ATO aircraft were scrambled. Analyst Robert Tollast emphasised that while NATO can counter drone attacks effectively, the cost makes such operations impractical in the long term.

 

The challenge extends beyond financial concerns, touching on NATO's procurement processes. Johannes Pinl, CEO of MARSS, criticised the alliance’s outdated procurement systems, obstructing the swift adoption of existing technologies. MARSS’s innovations, including reusable interceptor drones, are hampered by bureaucratic delays, limiting defensive capabilities.

 

Despite these hurdles, new ventures are emerging. Companies like Tekever and Origin Robotics are rapidly developing drone technologies, tested in real-time by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK, for instance, has acquired significant drone numbers from Tekever, adapting them for electronic warfare. This highlights a shift in military procurement, urging closer industry-government collaboration.

 

Looking forward, military and industry leaders are calling for accelerated adoption of advanced technologies to match escalating threats. NATO members are urged to streamline procedures, ensuring timely deployment of cost-effective solutions. Richard Knighton, UK Chief of Defence Staff, advocates for wartime-paced innovation, echoing similar sentiments across Europe and the US.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Russia’s drone incursions expose NATO's financial and strategic vulnerabilities.
• NATO’s outdated procurement processes slow down technological adoption.
• New industry-government collaborations could redefine defence strategies.

Related Stories:

NATO Intercepts Russian Warplanes in Estonian Airspace

Russia planning ‘to test article 5’, with an attack on Nato
 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-09-22

 

 

Ukraine got factories to produce 1 mill. per year.

And they got the Know-how 

2 hours ago, Tug said:

I’d certainly be working hard with the Ukrainians on finding the solution unfortunately they are getting a lot of experience dealing with this threat and have a keen interest in mitigating it.

What happened Tug?  You normally support Marxist/Communist views.

10 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

What happened Tug?  You normally support Marxist/Communist views.

Nonsense 

5 hours ago, Tug said:

I’d certainly be working hard with the Ukrainians on finding the solution unfortunately they are getting a lot of experience dealing with this threat and have a keen interest in mitigating it.

Good go to Ukraine good riddance 

10 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

Good go to Ukraine good riddance 

lol 😂 better keep it up or I suspect that’s exactly were YOU will end up!!

15 hours ago, Tug said:

I’d certainly be working hard with the Ukrainians on finding the solution unfortunately they are getting a lot of experience dealing with this threat and have a keen interest in mitigating it.

The Ukrainians are working on the issue. They have multiple projects ongoing with other countries..  Israel, Canada, Germany and others are some of them.

15 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Ukraine got factories to produce 1 mill. per year.

And they got the Know-how 

Exactly. Despite the cost of subsidizing it, Ukraine is a valuable asset for NATO. They have the know-how to fight Russia, and they have the strongest conventional army.

6 hours ago, candide said:

and they have the strongest conventional army.

They HAD. Now they run out of personnel