NATO is grappling with mounting difficulties in its efforts to counter unmanned aerial vehicles, Bloomberg has reported. The heart of the problem lies in cost: modern air defense systems are vastly more expensive than the drones they are meant to destroy, which can be mass-produced at a fraction of the price.

The imbalance has become increasingly apparent as Russia stepped up its use of drones during the conflict in Ukraine. Moscow has boosted production and is striking military infrastructure at long range with notable success.

At the DSEI arms exhibition in London, a range of counter-drone technologies was on display — from laser weapons and electronic warfare tools to specialized interceptors. Jan-Hendrik Bulens, CEO of Alpine Eagle, pointed out that low-cost interceptors, priced closer to enemy drones themselves, could offer an effective answer. Yet experts caution that NATO’s stockpile of such systems remains far too limited.

Fabian Hinz of the International Institute for Strategic Studies added that even with available funding, the alliance could face hurdles in procuring the necessary quantities.

The New York Times highlighted that Russia has rapidly advanced its drone industry in recent years, evolving into what the paper described as a «drone empire.»