Interceptor Drones: Technological, Economic, Operational Requirements, Challenges and Paths for Implementation in the Romanian Armed Forces

Abstract The evolution of conflict at our borders has implied, from the very beginning, the need to take urgent measures regarding the equipment of Romanian Armed Forces, but also to reconsider combat tactics, given the trends in the use of drone-type means, intensively used by both sides. Interceptor drones are currently in a phase of accelerated industrialization worldwide, representing an interest also for Romania. The development of such capabilities also involves several challenges, both technological, economic and operational, related to the country’s industrial capacity. This article analyses the main challenges identified and possible directions for solving them, by comparing international trends with the potential of the national defence industry. The results aim to outline a realistic framework for the rapid and efficient implementation of interceptor drones in the Romanian Armed Forces, contributing to the modernization of defence capabilities and increasing operational resilience to contemporary standards in the art of technology-based warfare.