ParaZero Technologies examines the challenges of counter-drone defense at European airports, highlighting the operational limitations of existing counter-drone measures and the need for non-explosive solutions to address suspected drone incursions in civilian environments. Read more >>
The analysis references reports of 144 suspected drone sightings across Europe between 2024 and 2026, with activity peaking in late 2025. The article also discusses incidents that disrupted airport operations in Denmark, Germany, and Spain. Analysts have suggested that the reported activity may have involved reconnaissance aimed at identifying gaps in NATO air defenses. Alongside these concerns, European defense initiatives have focused on improving drone detection, radar and sensor capabilities, interoperability, and command-and-control systems. These include NATO’s Technical Interoperability Exercise 2026 in Latvia, which brought together approximately 300 participants and more than 60 counter-drone systems to test interoperability.
Despite these developments, safely intercepting suspected drone threats remains a particular challenge for airports and other civilian infrastructure. Electronic jamming can interfere with aircraft navigation and communications, while explosive interceptors and high-velocity projectiles present risks to passengers, infrastructure, and surrounding areas. These constraints can leave airport operators reliant on runway closures in response to drone sightings. The article also highlights the limitations of jamming against fiber-optic guided drones, which are immune to this countermeasure.
To address the need for physical interception without explosive effects, ParaZero highlights its DefendAir counter-drone system. The non-explosive, RF-independent technology is presented as an interception option for civilian and urban environments where conventional counter-drone measures may be unsuitable. DefendAir is also system agnostic and can integrate with existing detection and command-and-control infrastructure, potentially providing an alternative to relying solely on runway closures.
Read ‘Russia Mapped NATO’s Drone Defense Gaps: Are Europe’s Airports Any Safer?’ for more information.
