EU Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 sets clear milestones to close capability gaps and strengthen European defence.

On 16 October 2025, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy jointly presented the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, a strategic implementation plan aimed at translating the objectives of the Readiness 2030 White Paper into concrete actions and measurable milestones for European defence capability development.

The roadmap sets a structured pathway for EU Member States to achieve a credible level of defence readiness by 2030, addressing critical capability gaps and enhancing collective preparedness across the continent.

The Roadmap outlines clear objectives that align with the EU’s broader strategic ambitions to strengthen cooperation, improve interoperability, and scale up defence investment. Among its core proposals are four European flagship projects designed to enhance joint capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains:

The Eastern Flank Watch surveillance initiative,

The European Drone Defence Initiative,

The European Air Shield,

and The European Space Shield.

These flagship programmes will focus on closing critical gaps in surveillance, integrated air and missile defence, autonomous systems, and space resilience, directly contributing to both EU and NATO defence priorities.

The roadmap also establishes milestones and timelines for implementation. This includes the launch of priority projects by the first half of 2026, organisation of at least 40 % joint defence procurement by the end of 2027, and comprehensive capability coalitions with lead Member States guiding programme execution. 

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