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Chancellor Olaf Scholz invited Germany’s neighbours to take part in a “jointly developed air defence system” during a speech at the Charles University in Prague.
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The modernisation program is expected to strengthen the “European pillar within NATO” amid growing tensions with Russia. Already, €100 billion has been earmarked to strengthen the Bundeswehr which is expected to include the purchase of F-35 systems.
During his speech, the Chancellor acknowledged that the European security community had fallen behind on the development of air and space defence capabilities, and detailed Germany’s intention to develop a new air defence system.
“We have a lot of catching up to do in Europe when it comes to defence against airborne and space-based threats. That is why we in Germany will be investing very significantly in our air defence over the years ahead,” Chancellor Scholz explained.
“All of those capabilities will be deployable within the framework of NATO. At the same time, Germany will, from the very start, design that future air defence in such a way that our European neighbours can be involved if desired – such as the Poles, Balts, Netherlanders, Czechs, Slovaks or our Scandinavian partners.”
According to the Chancellor, the system would be deployed as part of a NATO structure.
“Not only would a jointly developed air defence system in Europe be more efficient and cost-effective than if each of us built our own costly and highly complex systems; it would also be a security gain for Europe as a whole, and an outstanding example of what we mean when we talk about strengthening the European pillar within NATO.”
During the speech, the Chancellor explained that Germany had a “fundamental change of heart” on the issue of the invasion of Ukraine.
The change of heart is expected to see Germany provide ongoing economic and political assistance, as well as military materiel.
“In the coming weeks and months, we will, moreover, be sending Ukraine new, state-of-the-art weapons – such as air defence and radar systems and reconnaissance drones,” Chancellor Scholz pledged.
“Our most recent package of arms deliveries alone is worth €600 million. Our objective are modern Ukrainian armed forces that are able to defend their country on a permanent basis.”
[Related: Germany’s €100 billion defence pivot]
