Counter-Drone Experts Converge at NATO Air Command to Advance C-UAS Cooperation and Innovation
On 30 June–1 July 2026, representatives from 34 companies and more than 20 nations gathered at NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) headquarters for AIRCOM Industry Day 2026. The event focused on Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) collaboration in support of NATO's Enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) along its Eastern Flank, covering the full engagement chain from detection and identification to tracking and neutralisation.
Highlights
- AIRCOM Industry Day 2026 was held on 30 June–1 July 2026 at NATO Allied Air Command headquarters, attracting 34 companies and delegates from over 20 nations.
- The event focused on the complete C-UAS engagement chain — detection, identification, tracking, mitigation, and neutralisation — in support of NATO's Eastern Flank Enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA).
- AIRCOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Guillaume Thomas warned that drone threats are evolving faster than existing NATO structures, processes, and procurement cycles can accommodate.
- Technical discussions emphasised cross-domain interoperability and C2 integration across NATO's air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains.
- AIRCOM Industry Day serves as a key bridge between NATO command structures and the defence industry to accelerate C-UAS technology adoption and procurement.
Military and civilian experts, industry representatives, and government officials gathered at NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) headquarters on 30 June–1 July 2026 for AIRCOM Industry Day 2026. The event was designed to strengthen cooperation in the field of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) in support of NATO's Enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) deployed along the Alliance's Eastern Flank.
34 Companies and Delegates from Over 20 Nations
The two-day event attracted representatives from 34 companies and participants from more than 20 countries. An exhibition area provided a platform for operational experts and industry professionals to exchange knowledge, examine emerging technologies, and explore practical solutions to the evolving drone threat.
Deputy Commander: Drone Threats Are Outpacing Existing Frameworks
AIRCOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Guillaume Thomas underscored the urgency of the gathering, stating that the pace at which drone threats are evolving has already exceeded the capacity of many existing structures, processes, and procurement cycles.
"The drone threat is evolving faster than many of our existing structures, processes, and acquisition cycles were designed to handle — that is precisely why AIRCOM Industry Day matters." — Lieutenant General Guillaume Thomas, Deputy Commander, AIRCOM
Full C-UAS Engagement Chain Under Scrutiny
Through panel discussions, technical briefings, and live demonstrations, participants examined the complete C-UAS engagement chain, encompassing:
- Detection
- Identification
- Tracking
- Mitigation
- Neutralisation
Particular emphasis was placed on cross-domain interoperability and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C2/C3I) integration across NATO's air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains.
Context: Rising Drone Pressure on NATO's Eastern Flank
As drone technology becomes increasingly accessible, the threat faced by NATO's Eastern Flank continues to intensify, prompting member nations to accelerate the development of counter-drone capabilities. AIRCOM Industry Day serves as a critical bridge between official channels and the defence industry, helping to speed up both technology transfer and equipment procurement processes.
Image credit: Fanny Chesier / NATO AIRCOM
Source: NATO Allied Air Command
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