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The couple, who dated for 10 months before marrying in 2004, have broken up and reconciled as coparents in recent years.

Gayheart, 54,filed for divorce from Danein 2018 after 14 years of marriage, butfiled to dismiss the divorcein March 2025, according toE!andPeople. The model, who shares daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with the "Euphoria" actor, dismissed the filing a month before Dane publicly revealed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis.

Actor Eric Dane has died following a battle with ALS. He was 53. He leaves behind two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, and wife Rebecca Gayheart. Look back at the family through the years when they joined together in the public eye.

Actress Rebecca Gayheart and actor Eric Dane attend the Chrysalis 3rd annual Butterfly Ball at a private residence on April 17, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Rebecca Gayheart and husband Eric Dane attend the afterparty for the opening night of "Steel Magnolias" on Broadway on April 4, 2005, in New York City. The pair married in 2004.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart arrive at the premiere of A&E original film "Wedding Wars" at the ArcLight Theater Dec. 4, 2006, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart watch the show at the 6th annual General Motors TEN event at Paramount Studios on Feb. 20, 2007, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane arrive at the premiere of New Line Cinema's "Valentine's Day" held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Feb. 8, 2010, in Hollywood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Billie Beatrice Dane, Georgia Dane and guests attend the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Built To Amaze! show on March 21, 2013, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Georgia Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane and Billie Beatrice Dane attend Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2013, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane and their daughters attend the Huggies Snug & Dry and Baby2Baby Mother's Day Garden Party held on April 27, 2013, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> From left: Eric Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Georgia Dane and Billie Beatrice Dane attend the 14th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 6, 2015, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane and their family attend Amazon Video's Tumble Leaf Family Fun Day hosted by Au Fudge on Sept. 13, 2015, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> From left: Billie Beatrice Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Georgia Dane and Eric Dane attend the 15th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball at a private residence on June 11, 2016, in Brentwood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> From left: Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane attend the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017, in Brentwood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> From left: Eric White, Patricia Arquette, Rosetta Getty, June Getty, Balthazar Getty, Violet Getty, Eric Dane, Billie Beatrice Dane, Rebecca Gayheart and Georgia Dane at the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Eric Dane and his daughters Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, on May 30, 2024.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Eric Dane's family journey in photos

Actor Eric Dane has died following a battle with ALS. He was 53. He leaves behind two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, and wife Rebecca Gayheart. Look back at the family through the years when they joined together in the public eye.Actress Rebecca Gayheart and actorEric Daneattend the Chrysalis 3rd annual Butterfly Ball at a private residence on April 17, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California.

Eric Dane, 'Grey's Anatomy' star,dies at 53 following ALS battle

Gayheart toldE!in April –a day before Dane's announcement– that the pair were still the "best of friends" and that she still looks at her marriage as a "huge success" despite the couple no longer being together.

"I think it's important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It's just a season. It wasn't a failure," she continued. "We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years, and we had two beautiful kids. So I think that's a successful relationship, and that's how we look at it."

Two months after revealing his diagnosis, Dane, 53, toldDiane Sawyerthat Gayheart is the first person he calls when he needs support. "I talk to her every day," he said. "And she is probably my biggest champion, my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her."

Eric Dane praisedas 'heroic' in tributes from 'Euphoria,' 'Charmed' costars

On a November episode of the "Broad Ideas" podcast, she further explained her decision to call off the divorce, with the actress saying she wanted to set an example for their daughters.

"I am definitely trying to show them that we show up for people no matter what. And he is our family. He is your father," she said, though admitting the situation is "complicated."

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She added: "We show up and we try to do it with some dignity and some grace and just get through it. And that we will get through it the best we can."

Eric Dane was perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka "McSteamy," in the ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," but he also has other memorable roles under his belt.

Revisit the late actor's best roles, starting with a scene from "Grey's Anatomy" with Ellen Pompeo in 2006.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hamish Linklater, Eric Dane and Russell Hornsby, stars of ABC medical drama "Gideon's Crossing," during a press tour party in July 17, 2000, in Pasadena.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Members of the cast of "Burlesque": Eric Dane, Stanley Tucci, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Cam Gigandet and Julianne Hough in a portrait made at the Four Seasons Hote in 2010.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Adam Baldwin and Eric Dane in 2014's "The Last Ship."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

How Eric Dane became a TV and film favorite. His best roles

Eric Dane was perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka "McSteamy," in the ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," but he also has other memorable roles under his belt.Revisit the late actor's best roles, starting with a scene from "Grey's Anatomy" with Ellen Pompeo in 2006.

In December, Gayheart penned an essay forThe Cut, writing that the family "spending all this time together" was "nice" and "really positive" for their kids, though, "It's not that they have the hopes of us being together – kids always dream of their parents getting back together, and I think now ours don't because they understand the reality of the situation."

Rebecca Gayheart defends'complicated' relationship with Eric Dane

She admitted that their relationship may be "confusing for people."

"It's a very complicated relationship," she told the outlet. "Our love may not be romantic, but it's a familial love."

Dane died Thursday, Feb. 19, at age 53, his representative, Melissa Bank, confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the statement said. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.

"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always," the statement concluded. "Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."

Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Eric Dane death – Rebecca Gayheart on husband, his ALS battle

Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.

The latest episode ofReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsfeatured a special appearance fromDenise Richards. The last time she popped up, she had her jacket on upside down at a cannabis dinner. This time, the tone was much, much different. She showed up to give a debrief on her divorce fromAaron Phypers.

Fresh into the divorce process, Denise sat down withSutton StrackeandErika Jayneto address her and Aaron's demise. During the chat, she shared details about the physical abuse that would later lead to Aaron's arrest.

Aaron Phypers has denied all claims of physical or emotional abuse

Denise appeared onRHOBH Season 15 Episode 10, which was filmed last summer. The headlines about Denise and Aaron were just starting to heat up, but as she explained to Erika and Sutton, there were issues happening for a while.

At one point in the conversation, Erika brought up the photo circling around the internet that appeared to show Denise with a black eye. That's when Denise opened up about the alleged physical abuse she endured from Aaron.

Denise told the ladies that it wasn't a "one-time thing," but the breaking point happened when she was trying to recover from some cosmetic surgeries. She said she "couldn't even walk," and Aaron had to help her get to the bathroom.

"And when I'm sitting on the toilet, he was trying to get my phone and f*cking hit me on the side of my head," Denise claimed. "I started crying. I'm like, that's when I really knew there was no hope at ever, ever salvaging this marriage at all."

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According to Denise, a similar incident happened in July while recovering from a facelift. She said he hit her again. That's when she realized she needed to take legal action.

"That's why I filed a restraining order and why we're getting divorced," Denise revealed to Erika and Sutton.

Several months after filming this scene, Denise shared her experiences in court. She,along with Aaron's cousin, detailed multiple allegations of abuse.

Aaron has denied any wrongdoing and claims he did not abuse Denise. However,the court did not agreewith that. They arrested him andcharged him with causing injuryto his estranged wife.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsairs on Thursdays at 8/7c on Bravo. You can stream it the next day on Peacock.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

TELL US – WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON DENISE'S SPECIAL APPEARANCE ON RHOBH? ARE YOU PROUD OF DENISE FOR SHARING HER STORY?

The postDenise Richards Returns to RHOBH and Details Aaron Phypers Marriage Breakdown: 'Hit Me…'appeared first onReality Tea.

NEED TO KNOW

• Princess Eugenie was reportedly seen skiing with her family on the eve of her father Andrew's arrest

• The former Prince Andrew, now called Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on Feb. 19

• Princess Eugenie was spotted in Gstaad, Switzerland, with her husband and children, according to Hello! magazine

Princess Eugeniereportedly hit the slopes in Switzerland shortly before her father, the formerPrince Andrew, was arrested.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor wasarrested in Sandringham on Thursday, Feb. 19, his 66th birthday, and his younger daughter was spotted skiing in Gstaad on Wednesday, Feb. 18,Hello!magazinereported.

According to the outlet, the princess was with her husband,Jack Brooksbank, and their sonsAugust, 5, andErnest, 2. They were also joined by the family's nanny and a group of friends.

Hello!reported that they spent time skiing and had lunch at the slopeside Restaurant Waldmatte, where they sat inside.

Princess Eugenie/Instagram

"They were tucked away in a corner and casually dressed in ski gear and jackets, and Jack was wearing a beanie hat as they both browsed the menu," said a diner who saw them at lunchtime, per the outlet.

Switzerland is a special place for Eugenie and Jack, 39, who met during a ski trip to Verbier in 2010 and married in 2018. Her parents, the former Duke of York andSarah Ferguson, alsopreviously owned a ski chalet in Verbier, which was sold in 2022 amid a financial dispute with the former owner, who took the issue to court in 2020.

Princess Eugenie/Instagram

On Feb. 19, Eugenie's father was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities are investigating him around a claim that he shared confidential information with the late Jeffrey Epstei​​n while acting as a trade envoy for the U.K., a position he held from 2001 to 2011. Andrew's ties to Epsteinset his step back from public life in motionin 2019, and he has continuously denied any wrongdoing in relation to their relationship.

PEOPLE understands thatBuckingham Palace was not informed of Andrew's arrest in advance, and the King, 77, released a statement soon aftervowing that the palace would cooperate with authoritiesin the investigation.

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Andrew was arrested around 8 a.m. local time andwas seen leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolkafter spending approximately 11 hours in custody. Policesaidon Thursday that they wrapped their searches in Norfolk, home to Andrew's current residence, while their searches continue in Berkshire, where his Royal Lodge residence, from which he was recently evicted, is located.

Leon Neal/Getty ; RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

As Princess Eugenie and her sister,Princess Beatrice, navigate a renewed family fallout amid their father's arrest,a source tells PEOPLE that they are keeping their distance.

"They're trying to stay away from it. They have young children, and this is their grandfather — their focus is on protecting their own children from this," the source says.

As they protect their own families, the source adds, "They're also putting pieces of the puzzle together in real time and realizing they may have been used."

"That has to feel like a complete betrayal. They're heartbroken — but a dad is still your dad, and a mom is still your mom. Love for a parent isn't a light switch. It's an incredibly painful and introspective moment for them," the source says.

Paul Grover/Shutterstock

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have maintained their relationship with their father and mother during the recent turns of the former couple's Epstein-related fall from grace, inviting them tolow-profile family eventsandspending time together privately.

Read the original article onPeople

"We need to make an example of all of this," co-host Emily Finn said during the February 9 broadcast on the pro-Trump cable channel Real America's Voice. "And not just let this go and let this slip under the radar."

Moments later, the program handed off to the conservative network's marquee show, "War Room," hosted by Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist. Over the next two hours, Bannon ticked through topics animating his audience — from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance to a contentious Republican Senate primary in Texas.

He did not mention Jeffrey Epstein.

Silence has largely defined Bannon's public posture toward Epstein since the Justice Department released records on January 30 detailinga close personal relationshipbetween the two men. In the weeks that followed, Bannon has not broached the release of the files or the frequency with which his own name appears in the newly public records, a CNN review of dozens of hours of programming found.

Even when Bannon showered praise on Attorney General Pam Bondi for her combative Capitol Hill appearance earlier this month, he didn't explicitly mention the Epstein files, the subject of many of her heated clashes with lawmakers.

It's similar to an approach Bannononce suggested for Epsteinas allegations about the financier's sex crimes resurfaced. In February 2019, Epstein said in a text message he would like "true facts out." Bannon replied, "you should just want this to go away."

As Epstein contemplated responding to some of the coverage, Bannon was blunt. "Have you lost your f**king mind," he wrote, "the moment you say ANYTHING this is global story #1!!!!!"

Bannon did not respond to CNN's request for comment. Ina statementto The New York Times, Bannon said he was working on a documentary film about Epstein and "that's the only lens through which these private communications should be viewed." Bannon told the newspaper he captured 50 hours of footage of Epstein, and that the film would expose Epstein and "destroy the very myths he created." Last month, the Department of Justice released two hours of Bannon interviewing Epstein.

As a leading voice in the GOP's conspiratorial flank, Bannon has long trained his audience to distrust convenient explanations. Since its inception in 2019, his podcast has served as a platform for guests to push unproven theoriesabout election fraudand other topics. Until recently, a placard bearing one of his favorite sayings sat over his shoulder during broadcasts: "There are NO conspiracies but there are NO coincidences."

Mixed reactions from MAGA

Now, some longtime allies are pressing him for answers.

Laura Loomer, a Trump loyalist with a large online following, told CNN that Bannon should be "100% forthcoming" about his ties to Epstein. Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, another far-right figure,wrote on Xthat an explanation was overdue, a remark that came in response to the release of a 2018 text to Epstein in whichBannon suggested that the 25th Amendment could be invoked against Trumpto remove him from office.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a regular guest on "War Room," wrote on X that her concerns extended beyond Bannon's discussions with Epstein about Trump.

"There is no excuse for having such a friendly relationship with Epstein, post conviction," shewrote, referring to Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to two state prostitution charges, one involving a minor. "None."

But while the MAGA movement has spent years fixated on exposing Epstein's network, there are so far few signs one of its most influential voices faces significant fallout. Bannon's show has continued on Real America's Voice without interruption, and high-profile guests have appeared even after his communications with Epstein were released, including Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the chairman of the Virginia GOP, among many others.

One Trump administration official told CNN that Bannon's audience was so big, he would likely survive.

'Epstein is a key that picks the lock'

The absence of Epstein discussion on "War Room" marks a stark programming shift from last year, when it served as a recurring source of intrigue for Bannon and his guests. Dozens of these clips wereposted to the War Room X account.

"Democrats know Epstein's black book is a ticking time bomb. That's why they've switched their focus to affordability," said oneJuly War Room post with a video of Bannon viewed 1.4 million times.

His podcast regularly amplified calls to release investigative records related to Epstein, who was arrested in July 2019 on charges he sex trafficked minors, and helped fuel a pressure campaign that culminated in Trump signing legislation to make additional files public.

"Epstein is a key that picks the lock on so many things," Bannon tolda July gathering of young conservativeshosted by Turning Point USA. "Not just individuals, but also institutions, intelligence institutions, foreign governments."

Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet declined to comment when asked if Bannon would be invited to the organization's future events, but he notably appeared on "War Room" earlier this month.

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What Bannon didn't disclose in that July speech or others was his own conversations with Epstein — which included private discussions about reshaping global politics. In their exchanges, Bannon described plans to"take down" Pope Francisand sought Epstein's help in advancing populist movements in Europe.

Epstein at one pointwarns Bannon about potential headwinds he facessidestepping federal rules about representing foreign governments andlater suggests a media platform would avoid the scrutinya nonprofit or new political party might receive. The next year, Bannon launched his podcast.

Loomer called it "a bit hypocritical" for Bannon to bang the drum for releasing the Epstein files without mentioning their shared history. Comedian Tim Dillon,who previously interviewed Bannon on his own popular podcast, recently said he would've asked about Epstein had he known about their relationship.

"That's uncomfortable," Dillon said on "The Young Turks," a progressive web show. "I guess for whatever reason, Bannon thought there was value in a relationship with a guy like Jeffrey Epstein, and that's something he's going to have to answer."

Bannon, though, has so far offered little public explanation of how he first came to know Epstein or why he shared sensitive information with the disgraced felon in hundreds of text messages and emails.

Their exchanges include shared grievances about Trump — who dismissed Bannon as White House senior adviser in 2017 andonce counted Epstein among his friendsbefore a falling out in the mid-2000s. In August 2018,the two discussedthe need for an intervention for Trump and the potential liabilities the president faced in his mounting legal entanglements. Bannononce shared an article titled, "How close is Donald Trump to a psychiatric breakdown," which Epstein then circulated to other close confidantes. In an exchange with Epstein, Bannon referred to Trump and his inner circle as "transitory figures" while suggesting he was the "center of gravity of this movement."

When Bannon launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for a wall at the US southern border, he told Epstein he needed to tread carefully. "can't seem like I'm running (sic) trumps nose in his own incompetence,"he wrote. Federal prosecutors would later charge Bannon with defrauding donors, butthe case against him disappeared when Trump pardoned himbefore leaving office in 2021.

These messages have fueled private speculation within the president's orbit about Bannon's future in MAGA and his relationship with Trump. White House officials have often sought to keep Bannon at arm's length and out of the president's ear, but the two have managed to maintain a relationship.

"He has a lot to answer for," a Trump ally told CNN.

Another Trump adviser expected the controversy to follow Bannon as he navigates his role in the MAGA movement beyond 2028. While Bannon hasled calls for Trump to run for a third term, his own political aspirations — including long-rumored presidential ambitions — remain a source of intrigue in Washington.

"He has zero chance now," the adviser said. "It's so sketchy."

'We need to push back on the lies'

In 2019, texts between the two men turn toward an emerging issue for Epstein: an intensifying national focus on allegations that he had trafficked girls resurfaced in a Miami Herald series. In dozens of messages, Bannonadvises Epsteinon how to navigate the fallout,writing in April 2019: "first we need to push back on the lies; then crush the pedo/trafficking narrative ; then rebuild your image as philanthropist."

When federal prosecutors rejected a push by Epstein's alleged victims to throw out his 2008 plea deal, Bannon appeared elated at the news.

"Dude!!!!! Is this real,"he texted Epstein. "Tell me this is real."

Bannon has not publicly addressed these messages, but he told the Times he was "a documentary filmmaker working, over a period of time, to secure 50 hours of interviews from a reclusive subject." Their final correspondences include ongoing efforts to carve out time for Bannon and his crew to film Epstein.

Tom Fitton, the head of the conservative group Judicial Watch, said he was unaware of Bannon's extensive history with Epstein when he appeared on the "War Room" podcast last year to share updates on his legal fight to force the release of the Epstein Files.

Fitton told CNN he watched footage of Bannon's interview with Epstein and was left wondering why any public figure would seek out his company.

"Epstein seemed like a sociopath to me," said Fitton. "I don't know how Bannon was able to keep on communications with him even for the reasons he says he was doing that."

On "American Sunrise," though, anticipation for an Epstein film from Bannon is already building.

"War Room will be up next," co-host Gina Loudon said at the end of Tuesday's show. "How about when that Bannon documentary on Epstein comes out? That should be interesting."

Bannon did not mention it during his broadcast.

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Friday's initiative of the E5 nations — France, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy — comes as one of many European efforts to bolster defense along their borders, like a "drone wall" with Russia and Ukraine to better detect, track and intercept drones violating Europe's airspace.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have cutting-edge drone warfare capabilities forged in the grim laboratory of war where battlefield innovations have rewritten modern battle tactics.Poland is already working with Ukraine on drone technologyin joint military training programs and manufacturing projects.

Those efforts were sparked by aspate of incidentsin which Europe's borders and airports have been tested by rogue drones. Russia has been blamed for some of them but denies that anything was done on purpose or that it played a role.

"The UK and our E5 partners are stepping up — investing together in the next generation of air defense and autonomous systems to strengthen NATO's shield," said Luke Pollard, Britain's minister for defense readiness and industry.

"We have some of the best kit on the entire planet for shooting down air threats. The problem is to be effective at shooting down relatively low-cost missiles, drones, and other threats facing us," he said. "We need to make sure that we're matching the cost of the threats with the cost of defense."

Poland's defense minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said the group of countries signed an agreement to jointly invest in the production and procurement of drone-based strike capabilities as well as cheap drone defense systems in a program called called Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms, or LEAP.

"Combat technologies and techniques are changing rapidly — ​​we must respond quickly and appropriately," Kosiniak-Kamysz said. "We also signed a crucial commitment regarding the joint development of drone-based strike capabilities, low-cost joint production, and joint procurement of drone effectors, i.e, combat payloads, usingartificial intelligence."

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When Russian drones entered Polish airspace in September 2025, Warsaw and its NATO allies usedmultimillion-dollar jetsto respond to drones that cost thousands and that ended up crashing into the Polish countryside. Low-cost kinetic or electronic effectors would allow the detection and destruction of drones at a fraction of the price.

Europe has scrambled to arm itself in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's deep criticism of NATO, European defense spending andonce iron-clad alliances. The EU has ramped up spending and is openly questioning even deeper military projects.

"Europe's security is more uncertain than it has been in decades," said Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, citing Russian aggression, instability in the Middle East, China and a "redefined" alliance with the U.S. She said that the low-cost interceptor program exemplifies the European commitment to its own security.

"If we want to keep our country safe, we must strengthen our hard power. The good news is that we are already investing record sums in defense. Europe is stepping up. but it's not about competing with NATO. It's about making Europe stronger within NATO. A stronger Europe makes the alliance also stronger."

Yet the 32-nation military alliance has been shaken by Trump's second administration. Most recently, his repeated threats toseize Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and disparaging remarks about his NATO allies' troops in Afghanistandrew another outcry.

While tensions over Greenlandhave subsidedfor now, the infighting has seriously undercut the ability of the world's biggest security alliance to deter adversaries.

McNeil reported from Brussels.