Latest news with #EuropeanSkyShieldInitiative
Boston Globe
22-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Austria prepares to give up ‘dream' of disarmament
Advertisement His comments are the latest response from European leaders to a rapidly changing security situation on the continent, which has wiped out the so-called peace dividend many countries enjoyed after the Cold War. Countries across Europe have pledged to ramp up military spending in the face of Russia's three-year invasion of Ukraine and fears that the United States will pull back some or all of the troops, weapons, and other support that have for decades helped guarantee European security. Austria's neighbor, Germany, has pledged to spend 5 percent of its annual economic output on military and strategic infrastructure, an increase financed in part by additional borrowing. Its fellow NATO members committed to the same target last month, under prodding from President Trump. Austria is not a member of NATO. Its standing army is small. And it is in the thick of a budget crisis, which Stocker and his coalition government are beginning to tackle by reducing government spending and raising some taxes. Advertisement Yet the new governing coalition plans to raise military spending gradually from below 1 percent of gross domestic product last year to 2 percent by 2032. Austria's neutrality 'obligates us to national defense, comprehensive national defense in particular,' Stocker said. 'And given the developments we are seeing, we will do more here than we have done.' Austria's spending will still be well short of that of Sweden and Finland, which after years of neutrality, joined NATO after Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022. The fact that Stocker is willing to push for more spending on defense, even while his own government has committed to controlling its enormous debt, is a sign of how worried Europeans have grown about security. The added money, around $5.8 billion, could buy air defense capabilities as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, which coordinates such procurements. It could also buy heavy — and expensive — weapon systems, like helicopters and fighter jets, Stocker said. Austria's foreign minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, said in an interview Tuesday that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had worried Austrians — and that staying out of the fray would not ensure the nation's security. 'With the threats we are right now facing and seeing, neutrality doesn't protect you at all,' she said. 'So we have to invest in our readiness for defending ourselves.' The plan still faces skeptics inside the government and out. Many older voters, on whom Stocker relies, see military spending as anathema to Austria's vaunted neutrality, said Peter Filzmaier, a political scientist who teaches in a pair of Austrian universities. Advertisement Defense issues are growing more important in Austria, he said, 'in a new world order that is rapidly changing.' But military spending is linked to a debate in Austria about the neutrality clause written into the Austrian Constitution when four World War II allies — Britain, France, the United States, and the Soviet Union — gave up their joint occupation of Austria in 1955. To change or modernize the neutrality clause would take a two-thirds majority in the 183-seat Austrian parliament. The far-right Freedom Party, which has 57 seats but is not part of Stocker's coalition, has deep ties to Russia and has long campaigned on more neutrality, not less. Stocker sat for the interview in his wood-paneled, parquet-floored office in the Vienna chancellery, underneath a black-and-white photograph taken in 1955 when Austrians adopted their constitutional neutrality. In the discussion, he referenced Russia's moves in Ukraine, along with Trump's plans to impose widespread tariffs on allies, as part of a long list of recent developments rattling global politics. In keeping with Austria's neutrality, Stocker suggested that his country would be open to hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, if they ever came to pass. 'The question of Ukraine is also a deeply European one,' he said. 'This war is taking place on our continent, and therefore there is a willingness to negotiate.' This article originally appeared in
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
German Air Force receives first parts for Arrow 3 system from Israel
The chief of Germany's Air Force has travelled to Israel to procure the first part of the Arrow 3 air-defence system, as Germany seeks to boost its air defences in light of Europe's altered security landscape. Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz visited Arrow 3 manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv to receive the central communication element of the weapons system, a spokesman for the air force said. Germany's Air Force is aiming for the modern hypersonic, anti-ballistic missile system to achieve initial operational readiness by the end of this year, as the country is looking to close a defence gap. Arrow 3 is able to shoot down missiles at an altitude of more than 100 kilometres - meaning it can destroy projectiles outside of the atmosphere, a capability Germany's current defence umbrella doesn't have. "With Arrow 3, Germany is procuring an Israeli weapons system on my initiative that will help to protect Germany against threats from the air," Gerhartz told dpa. The first of three locations for the firing units is set to be Holzdorf military airbase in eastern Germany, some 75 kilometres south of the German capital, where construction work is under way. Germany is seeking to invest heavily in its air defence in light of Russia having significantly ramped up its defence industry amid its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking fears that Moscow might launch an attack on European NATO territory in the coming years. To this end, Germany has also launched an initiative for a common European air defence system - the European Sky Shield Initiative.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Switzerland to buy 4 or 5 IRIS-T air-defense systems from Diehl
PARIS — Switzerland plans to buy four or five IRIS-T SLM medium-range air-defense systems from Germany's Diehl Defence, with negotiations in an advanced phase, the country's defense procurement office, Armasuisse, said on Friday. The federal office expects to sign the contract for the ground-to-air missile batteries in the third quarter of 2025, with procurement taking place as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, Armasuisse said in a statement. Swiss lawmakers last year approved a credit guarantee of 660 million Swiss francs ($809 million) for medium-range air defense in the 2024 armament program. Switzerland joins countries across Europe rushing to bolster their air defenses, as Russia's daily missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities have raised awareness of the need to protect civilian and military targets against aerial threats. 'The future ground-based air defense will contribute to the impact of maintaining air sovereignty and air defense as well as protecting against attacks with long-range weapons,' Armasuisse said. The system will be part of Switzerland's integrated air defense, the office said. Armasuisse tested Hensoldt's TRML-4D radar for the new medium-range air-defense system between March 31 and April 11, taking a further step in the procurement process, the office said. The properties of the radar were tested together with Diehl and Hensoldt in the specific Swiss topography, with the radar used to detect aircraft including the PC-12, F/A-18 and helicopters, Armasuisse said. Switzerland is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, with mountains covering 70% of the territory and around a quarter of the surface area made up of peaks over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level. The tests also investigated the frequency compatibility with civilian systems such as weather radar. The country in October joined the European Sky Shield Initiative as the program's 15th member, with an initial focus on medium-range air defense, while saying it expected opportunities for cooperation on shorter and longer-range defenses in the future. Other IRIS-T SLM users include Germany and Ukraine, while Latvia ordered the system in November 2023 and Slovenia and Bulgaria placed orders last year. A system typically includes a fire-control unit, a radar unit and multiple missile launchers. 'The renewal will close an existing gap in capability in the defense of stand-off weapons, to combat approaching targets at a medium distance and thus expand long-range ground-based air defense with the Patriot system,' Armasuisse said. 'Systems currently in use will soon reach the end of their useful life.' Separately, Diehl said it signed a partnership agreement with Denmark's MDSI to expand the payload integration of IRIS-T short-range missiles on fighter aircraft. The missile is included in the standard armament of the Eurofighter and Saab's Gripen, and can also be used on the F-16, Tornado, EF-18, KF-21 and F-5E, according to Diehl. 'By partnering with MDSI, we're enabling air forces to leverage the full potential of our missile system across platforms previously deemed as of limited compatibility,' said Martin Walzer, senior manager for integration programs at Diehl.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU declines funding for Lithuania-Estonia 'drone wall' project
The EU has rejected a joint funding request by Lithuania and Estonia to support the development of a cross-border "drone wall" aimed at enhancing surveillance and protection along their eastern frontiers, LRT reported on April 7. The initiative was originally proposed in May 2023 by then-Lithuanian Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė as part of a broader effort to enhance border surveillance and defense across NATO's eastern flank. The project aimed to create a coordinated system to detect, track and neutralize drones along the borders with Russia and Belarus, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), anti-drone systems and real-time data sharing between agencies. The initiative later gained support from several regional partners, including Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Norway and Finland. Estonia led the proposal, with Lithuania listed as a partner. The application was submitted earlier this year but did not receive approval, Lithuanian officials said. The total project cost was estimated at 12 million euros, with 4 million euros allocated to Estonia and 2.5 million euros each to Lithuania and other regional participants. Despite the funding rejection, Lithuania's State Border Guard Service (VSAT) said the plan remains on the table. 'I don't see this as a big issue that the project wasn't selected for funding,' said VSAT Commander Rustamas Liubajevas. 'I believe we can look for other sources to finance this project.' He added that while the EU declined to finance the specific "drone wall" project, Brussels is still supporting other drone-related efforts. Lithuania has been allocated 11 million euros in EU funds for UAV purchases, including 3 million euros for anti-drone systems. The proposed system aimed to improve real-time data sharing between border agencies and test pilot deployments along selected sections. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič said cross-border coordination continues through existing channels and suggested that reapplying for EU funding remains an option. The proposal is separate from the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative, launched in 2022, which focuses on developing a continent-wide air defense system among NATO members. Instead, the "drone wall" is a localized effort focused on hybrid threat deterrence, including smuggling, surveillance and cross-border provocations. In addition to bilateral efforts, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland have jointly urged the EU to invest in strengthening the bloc's eastern border. In a letter to EU leadership, they called for the development of new defense infrastructure to counter both conventional military threats and hybrid tactics allegedly employed by Moscow. The call comes amid growing concerns from Western intelligence agencies about increased Russian sabotage activity and other destabilizing actions across Europe. Read also: 'Shoot them' — Russian commander ordered troops to open fire on their comrades, intercepted call suggests We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Austria sticks to Euro Sky Shield under moderate coalition government
BERLIN — Austria will remain in the European Sky Shield Initiative and increase its defense expenditures to 2% of the country's GDP annually under a new government, the incoming coalition announced on Thursday. Previously it had appeared as though Austria would exit the German-founded Sky Shield air defense project under a far-right government. The negotiations between the extreme-right Freedom Party and the conservative People's Party have since failed, paving the way for a more moderate coalition. Elections were held in September of 2024. On Thursday, the incoming government, led by the conservatives and with participation of the social democrats and the economic liberals, announced that they had arrived at a coalition agreement, which includes a detailed plan of proposed policies and some appointments. The three-way coalition – a historic first in Austrian history – is expected to present a relative continuation of the preceding Austrian government, which was made up of the conservative and green parties. This also applies to defense policy, where most of the coalition's positions reflect those of the previous government. The chancellorship will remain with the conservative people's party though it was unclear at the time of writing whether the defense ministry, too, would remain the People's Party's domain. Under the previous government and defense minister Klaudia Tanner, Austria had decided to join the European Sky Shield Initiative, which to date counts 23 countries stretching in a continuous bloc from Scandinavia to Turkey. The military initiative seeks to coordinate the procurement and interoperability of air-defense systems among its members to protect against the threat of Russian missiles and drones. The far-right and Russia-friendly freedom party had made exiting Sky Shield a campaign promise, claiming that it is not compatible with Austria's constitutionally enshrined 'perpetual neutrality.' With the euroskeptic party in charge, it was also expected that Austria would be a stumbling block for consensus in the European Union and would drop or significantly reduce its support from Ukraine on the international stage. In accordance with its neutrality policy, Austria does not send weapons to Kyiv – but it does support the country in the diplomatic arena and send non-lethal aid. The government that ended up being formed, however, reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and called out Russia for its invasion of its smaller neighbor in their coalition document. In a trend also started by the Ukraine war, Austria will continue to invest in its military, sticking to the 'construction plan 2023+,' which seeks to invest around €17 billion ($17.7 billion) in additional funds into its armed forces by 2032. A novelty, however, is the mention of a specific goal of 2% of the country's GDP going toward the military by the same year. Although the same number as the goal for military spending among NATO members, Austria remains outside the alliance. Additionally, Vienna intends to set up a so-called standby force to 'be able to respond quickly to unexpected threats.' It is supposed to be manned by a combination of professional soldiers and parts of the country's militia. Austria maintains mandatory conscription for all men at age 18. Another major piece of news is expected in the near future, with the government reiterating their intention of phasing out the country's fleet of 15 Eurofighter Typhoons which currently form the backbone of the Alpine republic's air force. A 'decision of principle' is to be taken 'soon' on this question, officials said. Austria intends to procure 36 new jets with both the American F-35 and the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen reportedly being in the running. The Austrian air force has in the past been a significant operator of Saab aircraft, flying a custom-made variant of the Saab 105 until recently, when it was retired in favor of the Italian M-346. Austria also operated the Saab Gripen, Tunnan, B17A and Safir airframes in the past.
