NATO launches anti-drone platform for members

NATO said Thursday it has launched a platform to help its 32 member countries buy or rent anti-drone equipment faster after a series of drone incursions raised security concerns.

Claudio Palestini, NATO's head of innovation and technology adoption, said the alliance was offering members a simple purchasing system similar to an online store.

NATO officials said the alliance selected equipment it considered high-performing and good value after a public tender and evaluation period lasting several months. The products are made by companies from Britain, France, Germany and the United States.

The equipment, which can cost up to $28 million, is intended to protect borders and strategic sites. NATO said the technologies include electronic jamming and interceptor drones.

NATO countries including the Baltic states, Romania and Poland have faced drone incursions linked by officials to spillover from Russia's war in Ukraine. Alliance officials said using jets and expensive missiles to shoot down cheaper drones is not economically sustainable in the long term.