NATO is preparing a major push into drone warfare, with alliance members set to invest more than $40 billion in unmanned technologies over the next five years. The new effort, called NATO Drone Edge, was announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO Industry Forum in Ankara.

The initiative will cover both drone systems and the tools needed to counter them. According to Rutte, NATO allies have also agreed to expand training sharply: by the end of 2027, their armed forces are expected to train five times more drone operators than they do now.

Procurement will become another key part of the program. NATO is creating a dedicated platform designed to speed up the purchase of counter-drone equipment. The alliance also plans to sign contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to buy reconnaissance drones for member states.

Rutte also pointed to the expansion of NATO Flight Training Europe, a program focused on training military pilots. Finland, France and Sweden have joined the project, bringing the total number of participating countries to 20. Training is now being conducted at 16 centers across eight states.

The NATO chief said the new drone initiative draws on lessons from modern armed conflicts, including the fighting in Ukraine.