Nato currently uses jets firing expensive missiles to shoot down the much cheaper drones, an approach that officials say is not economically viable. (EPA Images pic)BRUSSELS: Nato on Thursday said it had launched a new platform to help its 32 member countries buy tried-and-tested anti-drone equipment faster, as incursions have fuelled fears about Russia.

Claudio Palestini, head of innovation and technology adoption at Nato, said the Western military alliance was offering a "very simple system" similar to an online e-commerce outlet to purchase the capabilities.

Officials said Nato had selected what it viewed as a range of the best performing and value-for-money equipment after a public tender and evaluation period of several months.