BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) – Given the threats posed by Russia, the EU Commission has presented a roadmap for four major European rearmament projects. The aim of the advance is to significantly improve air defense and the protection of the eastern flank in particular. A new drone defense system is also planned, which should be put into operation by the end of next year at the latest.
“The latest threats have shown that Europe is in danger,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen when presenting the roadmap. We must now react with unity, solidarity and determination. The defense roadmap presents a clear plan with common goals and concrete milestones on the way to 2030. Secret services assume that Russia will then be militarily in a position to start another war at the latest.
Germany offers leadership role
In addition to the drone defense initiative, the four proposed upgrade projects also include the so-called “Eastern Flank Watch” to improve the defense capabilities of the eastern EU member states and the “European Air Shield” to strengthen EU air defense. A “European Defense Space Shield” is also planned to ensure the protection of European satellites. Financing should come primarily from the member states and through existing EU programs.
According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Germany wants to take the lead in the planned “European Air Shield”. According to information from the German Press Agency, the aim is to use EU programs to build a multi-level air defense system that is networked across national borders, including the necessary sensors. It should be able to protect against the entire spectrum of threats from the air and work seamlessly with NATO’s command and control system./aha/DP/jha