NATO launches online purchasing platform for anti-drone systems from five suppliers

A joint buying platform for anti-drone systems

NATO announced on Thursday, 5 November 2026, that it had launched a common platform allowing its 32 member states to acquire anti-drone capabilities faster and more efficiently. The step responds to a rise in drone incidents across Europe. The alliance selected the equipment on behalf of its allied states and now offers it through a single channel. Claudio Palestini, head of the alliance's Innovation division, described the concept to journalists:

“The idea is to offer a kind of purchasing experience, sometimes described as 'e-commerce type', to buy these anti-drone systems through a very simple mechanism.”

How the suppliers were chosen

NATO ran tenders to identify the best-performing and most affordable equipment before presenting it to members. About 80 offers were received, and 16 contracts were signed with five defence companies. The firms are Alta Ares of France, Quantum Systems of Germany, Northrop Grumman and Axon of the United States, and OSL Technology of the United Kingdom. Le Soir reported that more than 100 companies were put in competition. LesEchos reported that Alta Ares, led by Hadrien Canter, was chosen against heavyweights such as MBDA and Lockheed Martin. The selected products went through an evaluation lasting several months and can now be bought outright or leased long term by all 32 members.

What the systems do and what they cost

The equipment is meant to protect borders and strategic sites. Options range from signal jamming to interceptor drones and other armament such as artillery. NATO said each capability costs between 1.6 and 25 million euros. Le Soir listed sixteen military uses, including airport defence, border protection and surveillance. Cristan Coman, who leads intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at NATO, explained the timing advantage:

“Any ally can now submit its request and the capability will be delivered within 90 to 100 days.”

He contrasted that with the 9 to 12 months normally needed to sign a contract.

Funding pledge and next steps

Allies pledged at least 40 billion dollars, about 37 billion euros, over five years to strengthen their anti-drone capabilities. Most outlets tie that pledge to the 2025 summit in The Hague, while Le Soir placed the commitment at a summit in Ankara in June. First orders are expected very soon, given the urgency. Palestini said that if the platform succeeds, it could widen next year to the purchase of offensive drones, not only aerial ones.

Drone incidents on the eastern flank

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, former Soviet republics that border Russia, regularly record drone intrusions into their territory. Poland and Romania have also been affected by similar incursions. Notícias ao Minuto also noted attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea. Le Soir linked the purchase drive to the drone war in Ukraine and to repeated incursions on allied territory, particularly the eastern flank.