Eighteen EU member states have come together to sign a letter of intent, signaling a significant step in bolstering the European Union’s air and missile defence capabilities. This new initiative aims to pool resources and share the financial burden of developing advanced defence technologies, positioning military cooperation as a central priority for the bloc.
The emphasis on air and missile defence is being driven by growing security concerns, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As European capitals focus on strengthening their defence systems, the EU is prioritizing this sector to ensure better protection against evolving threats.
“We are focusing on a broad range of capabilities, including anti-missile and anti-drone systems,” explained Paweł Ksawery Zalewski, Poland’s Secretary of State for National Defence. “Achieving superiority in the air is critical—it can make the difference in any conflict.”
While air and missile defence systems have garnered the most attention, the European Defence Agency (EDA) has also proposed joint efforts in other areas, including electronic warfare (with 14 member states involved), floating munitions (17 states), and the development of European warships (7 states). The EU has acknowledged its gap in air and missile defence, mainly due to the fact that these systems are relatively new and have only recently been deployed in combat scenarios.
“As of now, we lack fully operational air defence systems,” noted Zalewski. “However, the technology is available; it’s about bringing these systems into action.”
Industrial and Strategic Benefits for Europe
The EDA has emphasized that this collaborative project offers significant advantages, both strategically and industrially, for all member states. Integrated missile defence encompasses a wide range of activities, with the potential to support various military forces and stimulate industrial growth across Europe.
“These capabilities support numerous military and industrial projects, making them highly relevant to Europe’s defence and technological ecosystem,” said Stefano Cont, Director of Capability, Armaments, and Planning at the EDA. “Additionally, these efforts will drive innovation, benefiting not only major industries but also small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as research and development sectors.”
A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Defence
Beyond military engagement, the project also involves the use of cutting-edge technologies like satellites, artificial intelligence, and space-based sensors to monitor and assess risks. The aim is to detect and respond to threats as early as possible, ensuring a comprehensive and proactive defence strategy.
“We need to increase the quantity and capacity of our systems to detect threats earlier and respond more effectively,” Cont emphasized. “At the same time, we must maintain our technological edge to counter these evolving threats.”
In addition to enhancing operational capabilities, the initiative seeks to avoid duplication of efforts by fostering cooperation among member states in research, development, and procurement. This collaborative approach will help to better manage the financial and logistical challenges of strengthening Europe’s defences.
Rising Military Spending and the Need for Cooperation
In its 2024 report, the EDA noted that EU member states’ military expenditure has risen by 30% since 2021, in response to Russia’s aggression. In 2024, the 27 member states are expected to spend €326 billion on defence, representing 1.9% of the EU’s GDP. However, despite this significant increase, the report cautioned that national efforts alone are insufficient to prepare Europe for high-intensity conflicts.
The EU’s collective action to improve its air and missile defence systems, along with other collaborative defence initiatives, highlights the necessity of joint investment and coordinated strategy to ensure Europe’s security in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.