The Russian aggression against Ukraine has increased the feeling of danger in Europe and, once again, has resulted in new steps that will result in a more united and stronger NATO, precisely the opposite of what President Vladimir Putin wanted.
Led by Germany, another novelty, 14 countries of the Alliance, in addition to one of its future members, Finland, yesterday announced an agreement to jointly develop a new anti-missile shield to reinforce coverage of the north of the European continent. "With this initiative, joining forces, we are up to our responsibility in the security of Europe", celebrated the German Defense Minister, Christine Lambrecht, during the ceremony at NATO headquarters, where the agreement was signed yesterday.
The context in which this Alliance is launched – in which Spain, for the time being, has not been invited to participate – is not trivial. “This commitment is even more crucial at this time, when we see the ruthless and indiscriminate missile attacks from Russia on Ukraine,” said NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, who stressed that the new equipment will seriously strengthen the capacity of the Alliance "to defend against all air threats and missile threats."
The objective of the European Sky Shield (literally, shield of the European sky) is to fill the gaps in the anti-missile radar that NATO has installed in Turkey. The joint acquisition of anti-aircraft defense systems will allow obtaining better economic conditions and will facilitate collaboration. The system chosen for the new shield is "flexible and scalable" so that countries can strengthen their deterrence and defense efficiently and cost-effectively, explained the military organization, more insistent than ever on the interoperability of the defense capabilities of European countries. . Among the systems being considered for purchase, the German government has cited Israel's Arrow 3 system, the American Patriot and German IRIS-T units.
The development of the new air shield is intended to compensate for the lack of investment made in this field by European countries since the end of the cold war, a circumstance that has been abruptly revealed by the war in Ukraine, when the European NATO partners they have found that they had little stock to share. The Patriot and IRIS-T systems cover the middle layer of air defense, but it is planned to also buy equipment for the upper layer, such as the Arrow 3 produced by Israel, in addition to short-range systems. "We have to cover these gaps quickly, we live in threatening and dangerous times," insisted the German minister.
The German leadership of the project illustrates another turn caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has led the red-green government in Berlin to deliver arms to Kyiv to defend itself against Russia and to approve an investment program valued at 100,000 million euros to strengthen its armed forces . "We deeply appreciate the German leadership in helping Ukraine and supporting NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin celebrated after meeting with Lambrecht, a laudatory comment that comes after a start complicated relations with the new Government due to its delay in attending Kyiv.
In addition to bolstering their own defenses, NATO defense ministers yesterday pledged to send Ukraine more anti-aircraft defenses to protect itself from Russian missile attacks. Several countries, from the United States to Germany, Spain or the United Kingdom have made announcements in this regard. They will also be provided with inhibitors to nullify drones, as well as more ammunition, communications systems and winter clothing.
The Spanish government, for its part, will send four Hawk missile launchers – with a range of 40 kilometers – to Ukraine to improve its anti-aircraft defense against Russian attacks, reports Joaquín Vera. The missile system that Spain will deliver is American-made and is part of the Army's artillery. The first phase of this system was received in the 60s and 70s, so it has more than half a century of life. The Spanish Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, explained yesterday in Brussels that the Government was aware of the plans to develop a new European shield from the German authorities but has not been formally invited to participate. If they consider joining, they will value it.
