Italy, France and Germany signed on Monday an agreement to jointly develop a European drone program.

Defense Ministers of all three EU member states took part in the ceremony marking the beginning of a project which was first proposed in 2013.

Poland and Spain might also join the plan which envisages the construction of a European drone to be up and running by 2025, according to S?ddeutsche Zeitung.

One of the stated goals is to reduce dependence on US and Israeli equipment in reconnaissance and surveillance activities.

But the unmanned device, which will fly at an altitude of up to 9000 m for 24 hours, should be able to carry weaponry as well.

Critics suggest that the development of "Eurodrones" could lead to a surge in state-sanctioned violence.

A two-year study will now be carried out to assess what resources and know-how are needed to build the drone.

The project has already cost the three governments EUR 25 M which have been spent on separate studies.

Aerospace manufacturers like Airbus, France's Dassault Aviation and Italy's Alenia Aermacchi are currently supporting the project, EurActiv wrote Tuesday.

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