Fourteen European countries participate in Germany’s project to create an anti-missile shield

Currently, especially from northern and eastern Europe, the so-called “European Sky Shield” (English sky shield): Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Romania. He also signed the letter FinlandIn countries such as Hungary and Turkey, the accession process is still pending approval.

In its place, neither France, nor Italy, nor Spain so far they have tried. “Spain is cooperating with Germany on various projects, but in this particular case, we understand that our participation in the NATO anti-missile shield is appropriate if there is an explicit request from Germany later on. Join this”, Defense Minister Margarita Robles, Spain’s joint air and missile defense He explained why he was not, at least for the time being, part of his plan to purchase a European air and missile defense system. equipment.

supported system

Both NATO air defense systems and air defense systems supported by Berlin are not incompatible in the eyes of the Alliance. “The new assets that are fully interoperable and seamlessly integrated into NATO’s air and missile defense systems will significantly increase our ability to defend the Alliance against all air and missile threats,” said the Allied Deputy Secretary-General. said. Mircea GeoanaIn an initiative to help strengthen NATO’s integrated air and missile defenses.

As the German Defense Minister explained, Christine LambertInitial decisions on purchase of Patriots missiles and air defense system IRIS-TDeveloped by German company Diehlit will be taken “quickly”, but there is also the possibility of getting a third system on the table, Israel ok3 and other short-range systems designed to protect smaller areas or military convoys.

Spanish Hawk missile launcher

Beyond providing support for the German initiative, the ministerial meeting once again served close ranks with Ukraine, expediting the shipment of weapons and military equipment that became more urgent at its gates in winter. Allied countries – the United States, Germany or France – specifically committed to sending air defense systems. SpainAs announced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, four Hawk missile launchers have been sent to bolster air defense. In addition, as part of a comprehensive aid package that includes fuel, winter clothing and medical supplies, NATO will “soon to deliver to Ukraine hundreds of drone disruptors” to disable Russian and Iranian-made drones and protect the Ukrainian population and critical infrastructure. “.

“It is very important to continue to provide all kinds of materials to Ukraine. For this, we call on each country, the sectors that need to supply materials, to speed up production and thus provide convenience. Sending supplies to UkraineReminding that the shipment of weapons by Spain is continuous and humanitarian material, Robles explained to the EU that they “offered to trust Spain in the training mission of the Ukrainian soldiers”.

nuclear threat

Against the escalation of nuclear rhetoric, new warnings came to Moscow from the meeting. The NATO secretary general also warned the Kremlin of the “serious consequences” of the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, although he acknowledged the possibility of the Allies responding with the same coin “far“Although they take the threat very seriously. “The use of any kind of nuclear weapon will fundamentally change the nature of the conflict and serious consequencesHe insisted without revealing what the Allies’ reaction would be. “We won’t say exactly how we will respond, but that will change the nature of the conflict and mean crossing an important line. The use of even a small nuclear weapon can be serious,” he warned. The Allied leader also reminded that NATO will hold routine nuclear exercises held annually to ensure capabilities remain safe and effective.