WARSAW, Poland — European leaders are set to unveil plans for a $4.3 billion air and missile defense system modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The initiative, known as the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), will be presented to the European Council in the coming days.
“The recent attack on Israel showed how essential such systems are. There is no reason for Europe not to have its missile-defense shield,” Tusk stated. He emphasized that the system is necessary to protect Europe from potential threats, particularly from Russia.
The European Sky Shield Initiative aims to procure ground-based interoperable air-defense systems collectively. The initiative has grown to include 21 nations since its inception by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022, shortly after Russia began its assault on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure. Countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, and Greece have joined the initiative.
The German Institute for International and Security Affairs has outlined potential systems for procurement under ESSI, including U.S.-made Patriots, the IRIS-T SLM, and Israel’s long-range Arrow system. These systems are designed to counter threats from drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Tusk acknowledged challenges from Poland’s main opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), which previously opposed joining ESSI. PiS argues that Poland should focus on its existing air-defense plans rather than joining a new, expensive project. Former PiS defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak criticized ESSI as favoring the German arms industry and being less advanced than Poland’s current system.
Despite these criticisms, Tusk remains committed to the initiative. He announced that Poland, with support from the European Investment Bank (EIB), will develop an earth observation satellite system as part of broader efforts to enhance Europe’s security and defense industry.
Tusk, alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is preparing a joint letter to EU institutions advocating for the joint air-defense initiative. “This must be a joint venture to eliminate unwise competition between member states,” Tusk said, stressing the need for European cooperation to ensure collective security.
The ESSI, if realized, would mark a significant step towards a unified European defense strategy, reflecting the continent’s growing recognition of the need for robust air and missile defense systems.
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