Up to 9 million drones: EU reveals scale of Russia’s 2026 plans
Photo: European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius (Getty Images)
Russia could use between seven and nine million drones in 2026. Such a massive increase in drone production is forcing Europe to reconsider its defense policy, stated European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius during the Europa forum, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Read also: Unusual morning drone attack on Kyiv: Ukrainian Air Force reveals details
Striking scale
According to him, Russia spends almost as much on military needs as the entire European Union when calculated using purchasing power parity.
"We need to remember that Russia spends on its army, in terms of purchasing power parity, about 85% of the entire defense budget of the European Union," Kubilius said.
The European commissioner added that Russia is "ready to use between seven and nine million drones in 2026."
He emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the new role of drones on the battlefield, which means Europe must accelerate the buildup of its own defense capabilities.
"There is a real possibility that we could face Russian aggression," the European commissioner warned.
Ukrainian experience as a model
Kubilius also noted that Ukraine’s experience in using drones is already recognized worldwide. As an example, he cited the interest of international partners.
"Saudi Arabia is asking Ukraine to help produce millions of drone interceptors. If the Gulf countries, the US army, and Israel recognize the excellence of Ukrainian military experience and their defense industry, then what is our strategy?" he said.
Drones in Russia
Earlier, the media reported that Russia’s military technology sector is shifting toward industrial-scale production of new munitions for drones.
This indicates Moscow’s attempts to build a stable supply system and standardize weapons for drones.
In addition, the Russian research and production center Ushkuynik reported testing the Skorlupa uncrewed boat with a control system operated through a fiber-optic cable.
Experts say such developments could increase the threat to Ukraine’s coastal regions, particularly the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions.
Recently, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine also released data on 21 Russian enterprises involved in the development and production of drones that Russia uses in the war against Ukraine.
