Europeans Form "Drone Club" To Compete With the US and Israel

European Defense Agency tasked with creating a "European generation" of drones

BRUSSELS—France, Germany and other European countries on Tuesday formed a "drone users club" to develop a rival to the U.S. and Israeli pilotless aircraft that dominate the field.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the European Defense Agency has been tasked with drawing up a list of military requirements, with the ultimate goal of creating a "European generation" of drones within 10 years.

Some Europeans fear they are falling behind in an area that may determine military aviation's future.