The Inspector of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s push for a joint new air defense system in Europe. “I can only welcome that as air force chief,” said the lieutenant general on Monday during a visit to the Estonian air force base at Ämari. “Especially in the area of air defense and also ground support for air defense, it certainly makes sense for the Europeans to join forces here. That we consolidate skills.”
Scholz had previously announced during a visit to Prague that he would build a new air defense system with European neighbors. The project is seen as a response to Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, which has now lasted for more than half a year. The Chancellor has not yet given any details. The Bundeswehr considers the purchase of the Israeli Arrow 3 system to be a likely option.
“We are talking about the Arrow 3 system. Ultimately, politics must decide what we buy,” said Gerhartz. “But with this system in particular, it would be possible, also because of the range, for other European nations, especially European nations in the direction of the East, to participate in it.” If Germany acquires it, “a first system could even become operational as early as 2025,” said the German Air Force chief.
In his speech at Charles University in Prague, Scholz spoke of “an increase in security for all of Europe”.
In addition, it would be cheaper and more powerful than if everyone built their own, expensive and highly complex air defense. He did not initially give any details.
Scholz announced that Germany would invest significantly in air defense in the coming years. This should be designed from the start in such a way that European neighbors could participate. Specifically, he named the Netherlands, Poland, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and partners in Scandinavia.
In Europe, there is “a lot of catching up to do” in defense against threats from the air and space, said Scholz. All new capabilities should also be usable within the NATO framework.
The money for the investments could come from the already announced 100 billion euro pot, with which Scholz wants to modernize and strengthen the Bundeswehr in the coming years.
In general, with regard to the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Chancellor said that “never again war” between the member states was the goal of the European Union.
Today it is up to the community to further develop this promise of peace – by enabling the EU to ensure its security, independence and stability, even in the face of external challenges.
Scholz also spoke out in favor of better coordination of armaments aid for Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia. “Together with the Netherlands, we have therefore launched an initiative aimed at a permanent and reliable division of labor between all partners in Ukraine,” said the SPD politician in his speech at Prague’s Charles University on Monday.
