Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom have signed a declaration of intent to collaborate on the development and standardisation of long-range, low-cost systems based on disposable weapon systems. The work is conducted within the framework of the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA).

– A modular unmanned system with a range exceeding 500 kilometres enables deep precision strikes against high-value targets such as logistics hubs and air defence. The system is designed for scalability and enhances deterrence through volume and range. For Europe and NATO, this contributes to a more balanced transatlantic distribution of responsibilities and increased operational depth., writes Defence Minister Pål Jonson on X, and continues:

According to the joint statement from the six defence ministries, ELSA aims to strengthen European military capabilities, accelerate capability development for long-range strikes, and increase industrial and military cooperation in line with NATO's defence planning process and national operational requirements.

According to Poland's Ministry of Defence, several projects within the initiative have reached a high level of maturity. The areas highlighted as particularly developed include airborne radar surveillance capability (Airborne Early Warning), airborne long-range strike capability, the European weapon system Euro Multi Missile Launcher, and low-cost systems with a range exceeding 500 kilometres based on so-called attack drones (one-way-attack effectors).

The declaration of intent signed on 12 February specifically pertains to this last area. The intention is to harmonise and accelerate the development and procurement of long-range disposable weapons in Europe.

In the statement, the six countries emphasise their intention to make "significant efforts" to strengthen Europe's deep strike capabilities and to accelerate its implementation to improve the ability for rapid deterrence and defence.