European militaries are seeking cheaper missiles and interceptors after the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East showed how quickly modern conflicts can exhaust limited inventories of advanced weapons. Russia has launched thousands of long-range drones against Ukraine each month, with as many as 900 Shahed-type drones in one night, making traditional interception costs difficult to sustain. European startups including Destinus, Cambridge Aerospace, Frankenburg and Fire Point are developing lower-cost systems for drones, cruise missiles and other lower-end threats while governments and investors work to expand production. The Netherlands ordered 700 Ruta Block 2 cruise missiles from Destinus in June in a €250 million ($288 million) deal for Ukraine, and Britain’s Ministry of Defence awarded initial Skyhammer interceptor contracts to Cambridge Aerospace. Companies are also pursuing ambitious manufacturing targets, but executives say component supply, regulatory approvals and industrial capacity remain major constraints.