Kubilius Discusses Ukraine Lessons and Impact of Drones and Space on European Security

Former Lithuanian prime minister Andrius Kubilius highlighted how the war in Ukraine has reshaped European security thinking, arguing that the conflict has underscored the need for rapid, flexible responses to asymmetric threats. In a recent briefing to the European Parliament, Kubilius noted that Ukraine’s experience with hybrid warfare—combining conventional attacks with cyber, informational and economic pressure—has forced European states to rethink both deterrence and defense doctrines. He stressed that the war has accelerated the adoption of new technologies and prompted a reassessment of supply‑chain resilience and intelligence‑sharing mechanisms across the continent.

Kubilius also drew attention to the growing importance of drones and space‑based assets in modern conflict. He explained that unmanned aerial vehicles now provide critical reconnaissance, targeting, and even strike capabilities that were once the domain of manned aircraft, thereby reducing risk to personnel while increasing operational tempo. In the space domain, he cited the expansion of satellite constellations for communications, navigation, and surveillance, arguing that these assets are becoming indispensable for situational awareness and command and control. According to Kubilius, integrating these technologies into a coherent European security architecture will be essential for maintaining strategic stability and protecting critical infrastructure against both state and non‑state actors.

In concluding his remarks, Kubilius called for a coordinated European investment strategy that prioritizes research, development, and deployment of drone and space technologies. He urged member states to strengthen legal frameworks and interoperability standards to ensure that these tools can be rapidly deployed in support of collective defense. By embracing these innovations, he believes Europe can better safeguard its sovereignty and deter future aggression, turning the lessons of Ukraine into a proactive, technology‑driven security posture.