EPRS_BRI_2025_772885_EN.pdf — page 4

EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service 
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Drones vary significantly in size and design, ranging from insect-sized models to massive aircraft 
weighing several tonnes. Those weighing less than 2 kg are categorised as 'micro' or 'nano' drones, 
while those under 20 kg fall into the 'mini' category. Drones exceeding 20 kg are considered 'small' 
and are typically launched by hand or using a catapult. Medium-sized drones, weighing between 
150 kg and 600 kg, are mainly used for military purposes, while large drones, exceeding 600 kg, are 
exclusively deployed in military operations. Military forces deploy drones of various sizes and 
weights, but most armed drones are significantly larger than standard commercial models, often 
exceeding 600 kg. Smaller drones can also be modified or designed to carry weapons or serve ISR 
roles, with nano and micro drones frequently used for intelligence gathering. Large drones typically 
operate beyond the visual line of sight, sometimes relying on radio transmission to relay imagery to 
operators. Medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) and high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) 
drones are classified as large drones, capable of supporting tactical ISR missions as well as battlefield 
operations and targeted strikes. However, highly advanced military drones like the RQ-4 Global 
Hawk are primarily designed for ISR functions, and even drones commonly used for strikes often 
have unarmed ISR variants. Drones can be operated remotely or navigate autonomously using 
programmed instructions or artificial intelligence (AI). They come in different types, including single-
rotor, multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) models. 
Drone swarms – defined as coordinated systems of multiple drones operating autonomously with 
minimal human oversight – are another ground-breaking technology. They leverage AI and machine 
learning to navigate challenges like GPS jamming and adverse conditions. Their cost-effectiveness 
and versatility offer significant advantages over traditional military deterrents, enabling 
synchronised operations across various domains. Globally, countries such as the US, China and 
several European countries are advancing drone swarm technologies, recognising their 
transformative impact on modern warfare strategies. 
While fully autonomous military drones capable of selecting and engaging with targets without 
human input are not officially deployed at scale, there is growing evidence that such systems have 
been used in limited conflict scenarios. For instance, a United Nations report suggested that the 
Turkish-made Kargu-2 drone may have operated autonomously during a 2020 conflict in Libya, 
marking a possible first use of lethal autonomous weapons in combat. Drones like Israel's Harpy are 
also designed to autonomously detect and destroy radar emitters. Meanwhile, organisations like the 
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Stop Killer Robots are pushing for global rules 
to ensure meaningful human control remains in place. 
The EU and drones 
In March 2022, at Versailles, EU leaders committed to substantially increasing defence expenditure. 
They also pledged to invest in critical and emerging technologies, such as drones, and in innovation 
for security and defence purposes. Additionally, they vowed to foster synergies between space, 
civilian and defence innovation and research. These commitments were later reiterated in the 
Strategic Compass.  
The March 2024 European defence industrial strategy (EDIS) also calls for increasing defence 
innovation and the capacity to scale up production of affordable unmanned systems as a key 
requirement for EU defence preparedness in high-intensity conflicts. It notes that the European 
defence industry programme (EDIP) – which is currently pending negotiation and adoption by the 
European Parliament and the Council of the EU – could focus on enabling mass production, 
addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and removing critical dependencies. Joint procurement of 
drones or counter-drone systems may also be supported under the European Defence Industry 
Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). Furthermore, it suggests that 
Ukraine's urgent need for unmanned aircraft systems could be addressed through the European 
Peace Facility, in coordination with allied efforts through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (a 
coalition of 57 nations, including all 32 NATO member states and the EU, supporting the defence of 
Ukraine). It also refers to the Commission's drone strategy 2.0 of November 2022. Key initiatives