AI Analysis
The Belfer Center's policy brief outlines 15 recommendations to enhance the European Union's defense capabilities against drone threats. Key proposals include developing an integral EU drone policy and prioritizing anti-drone technology development.
Key Takeaways
- Proposal to develop an integral drone policy for the EU.
- Emphasis on prioritizing anti-drone technology development.
- Recommendation to evolve the European Research Council into an international open research ecosystem.
- Focus on enhancing EU's preparedness for contemporary drone threats.
- The report is intended for the newly elected EU Commissioners in November 2024.
Why It Matters
The strategic significance lies in the EU's need to bolster its defense mechanisms against the increasing threat of drone warfare. By prioritizing anti-drone technologies and cohesive policies, the EU can enhance its security posture and protect its member states from potential aerial threats.
STUDENT PAPER DECEMBER 2024 D E F E N S E , E M E R G I N G T EC H N O LO GY, A N D ST RAT EGY P R O G RA M Drone Warfare in Today’s World 15 Policy Recommendations to Improve the European Union’s Defense Capabilities Gonzalo Arana Javier Romero Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs Harvard Kennedy School 79 JFK Street Cambridge, MA 02138 www.belfercenter.org/DETS Statements and views expressed in this report are solely those of the authors and do not imply endorsement by Harvard University, Harvard Kennedy School, the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, or the U.S. Government. Copyright 2023, President and Fellows of Harvard College D E F E N S E , E M E R G I N G T EC H N O LO GY, A N D ST RAT EGY P R O G RA M Drone Warfare in Today’s World 15 Policy Recommendations to Improve the European Union’s Defense Capabilities Gonzalo Arana Javier Romero STUDENT PAPER DECEMBER 2024 About the Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program The Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy (DETS) program has a dual mission to
- advance policy-relevant knowledge and strategy on the most important challenges at the intersection of security and emerging technology; and
- prepare future leaders for public service in relevant arenas. The DETS program focuses on defense policy issues, public sector strategy execution, and new technologies that have emerged as pivotal to the future of international security. Through its programming, the DETS program seeks to train a new generation of technology-savvy policy and strategy leaders within the Kennedy School. About the Authors Gonzalo Arana is a currently a visiting Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Growth Lab, focusing on sustainable economic growth. Before taking up this position in June 2024, he completed the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School and was a Research Assistant at the Belfer Center, concentrating on research about the conflict in the Middle East. Arana also works as an associate partner at the consulting firm Oliver Wyman, leading the Public Sector department in Spain and Portugal. Over the past decade, he has advised companies and institutions in Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom, helping them improve performance, enhance digital capabilities, achieve sustainability, and increase their positive impact on clients and the societies in which they operate. In addition, Arana is a visiting fellow and professor in several academic Spanish institutions, where he teaches about economic growth and project management. He is also an Aspen España Fellow, supporting the Aspen Institute’s efforts to educate future leaders in values, sustainability, and humanistic leadership. Javier Romero is the former Head of Institutional Policy at Fundación Pensar, one of Argentina's most influential think tanks. He completed