The EU accelerates on drones: the first technological hubs are born in Latvia and the Netherlands

The EU is establishing two technological hubs for drones in Latvia and the Netherlands as part of the Decoder initiative, aimed at enhancing military drone capabilities. The Latvian hub will focus on land and aerial drone technologies, while the Dutch hub will address maritime security. These pilot projects are intended to foster collaboration among EU nations, industries, and operational users to accelerate the development and deployment of drone solutions and counter-drone systems. The initiative is influenced by Ukraine's experience in drone warfare, which has highlighted the need for rapid innovation and cooperation between the EU and NATO.