> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # EU Seeks Industry Partners for Cellular-Based Drone Detection Systems - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/eu-seeks-industry-partners-for-cellular-based-drone-detection-systems/ - Published: 2026-11-13T10:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-13T10:00:00.000Z - Description: The EU invites member states and industry partners to propose cellular-based drone detection projects, with submissions open until February 28, 2027. - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: EU, Industry, Drone, Defense procurement The European Commission has launched a new initiative to test and potentially deploy drone detection technologies that use telecommunications networks, opening opportunities for cooperation between European governments, telecom operators and counter-UAS technology companies. The Commission announced the initiative on November 12, following the opening of a call for expressions of interest on November 11. The program focuses on detecting, tracking and identifying drones through existing and emerging cellular communications infrastructure, including technologies capable of detecting aircraft that do not communicate directly with mobile networks. EU member states are invited to submit proposals in cooperation with private-sector consortia, with the consultation remaining open until February 28, 2027. ## Turning Mobile Networks Into Drone Detection Infrastructure The initiative addresses a growing challenge for European security authorities: detecting small unmanned aircraft operating over airports, energy infrastructure, borders, transport facilities and other sensitive locations. Traditional counter-drone systems often rely on radar, radio-frequency monitoring, electro-optical sensors or combinations of these technologies. The European Commission is examining how cellular infrastructure can provide additional detection capabilities, potentially expanding coverage by using telecommunications networks already deployed across much of Europe. The initiative identifies three main technology areas. The first involves artificial intelligence-based detection of drones that communicate through public or private telecommunications networks. Such systems could use network information to identify and track connected unmanned aircraft. The second involves cellular sensing technologies designed to detect drones that are not connected to a telecommunications network. These systems may use changes in transmitted or reflected radio signals to detect objects moving through a monitored area, potentially providing an additional surveillance layer against selected airborne threats. The third area concerns integrating detection and tracking capabilities with command-and-control systems and appropriate counter-drone response technologies. The objective is not simply to identify aircraft but to explore how telecommunications-based sensing could contribute to broader operational counter-UAS networks. ## Opportunities for Central and Eastern European Companies The proposed initiative could create opportunities for telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers and defense technology companies across Central and Eastern Europe. The Commission specifically encourages cooperation between national authorities and private-sector partners, including telecommunications suppliers, network operators and critical infrastructure organizations. Cross-border proposals are also welcome, potentially allowing companies from several EU member states to work together on common drone detection requirements. Ukraine may participate as part of a consortium, creating an opportunity to incorporate operational experience from a country facing sustained unmanned aircraft threats. For companies developing radar technologies, radio-frequency sensing, AI analytics and integrated counter-UAS platforms, the initiative could provide a route toward future testing and demonstration activities. However, the current process is an expression-of-interest exercise rather than an awarded procurement program or an immediately available grant. The Commission will examine the submissions before deciding whether to launch a separate funding call for pilot projects. ## Building on European Counter-Drone Testing The initiative follows increasing European interest in using commercial telecommunications networks for defense and security applications. As AdriaDefense previously reported, NATO's Digital Backbone eXperimentation program in Latvia examined 5G-based drone detection and integrated counter-UAS capabilities, including work involving Latvian telecommunications company LMT Defence and Thales Italia. Such experimentation demonstrates the growing convergence between civilian telecommunications infrastructure and military surveillance technology. The European Commission's latest initiative could support further testing of similar concepts across EU member states, although it does not establish that a functioning EU-wide cellular drone detection network already exists. The program also forms part of the broader EU Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security, which seeks to improve detection, tracking, identification and response capabilities. ## Deadline and Next Steps The call is open until February 28, 2027. Interested EU member-state authorities are invited to submit proposals of up to 15 pages, potentially in cooperation with telecommunications and defense technology partners. Following the consultation, the Commission will assess whether to launch an official funding call to support testing and deployment. For European defense companies, the immediate opportunity is to engage with eligible national authorities and potential consortium partners before the submission deadline. The initiative could become an additional channel for developing European counter-drone technology, particularly for companies combining telecommunications, advanced sensing and autonomous threat detection capabilities.