- European nations say they’re planning a $4.3 billion joint air and missile defense system.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said creating an Iron Dome similar to Israel’s was “necessary.”
- The European Sky Shield Initiative involves 21 countries and aims to enhance NATO’s defenses.
European countries are poised to unveil a $4.3 billion air and missile defense system, modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, as announced by Poland’s prime minister.
Donald Tusk disclosed to AVN that the proposal, uniting 21 nations, will be presented to the European Council in the coming days, reported by the Kyiv Post.
The European Sky Shield Initiative is a collaborative effort to procure compatible ground-based air-defense systems.
“The recent Israeli attack highlighted the importance of such systems. Europe should have its missile-defense shield,” Tusk stated, according to The Telegraph.
“Establishing an Iron Dome against missiles and drones is essential,” he emphasized.
Hinting at concerns regarding potential threats from Russia, Tusk mentioned that it’s not difficult to imagine where an attack on Europe might originate, as reported by The Telegraph.
Israel’s Iron Dome is renowned globally as an advanced air-defense system, safeguarding the nation from rockets and other threats.
In April, Israel intercepted a wave of missiles and drones from Iran, with assistance from US and UK forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of its air defenses.
Although a direct attack by Russia on NATO Europe is not seen as an immediate risk, many countries, especially those bordering Russia, are significantly apprehensive. They are increasing defense spending in ways previously unseen, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
ESSI was first proposed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022, amid Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure. It has since been led by Germany.
Last year, traditionally neutral countries Austria and Switzerland joined the initiative, with the latest count of participating countries reaching 21, including Turkey and Greece.
A report by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs outlined systems sought to be acquired as part of ESSI, such as US Patriots and the IRIS-T SLM and Arrow systems used in Israel.
While a Russian attack on NATO countries is considered unlikely in the near term, enhancing air and missile defense in Europe could diminish Russia’s coercive influence over NATO and strengthen alliance cohesion, as per SWP.
Despite Tusk’s advocacy for ESSI, challenges have arisen from Polish President Andrzej Duda, who opposes joining due to existing joint air-defense agreements with the US and the UK.
