European Coalition Builds Joint Ballistic Missile Shield
Ten European countries plan a joint ballistic missile defense system, combining national industries, research and funding under a shared roadmap.
Participants in the Paris summit of the so-called Coalition of the Willing have announced plans to establish a joint defense system against ballistic missiles. The initiative brings together Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, France and Sweden, according to a joint statement published by the Élysée Palace.
The participating countries linked the decision to growing missile threats and the increasing importance of missile defense for European security. They described the new partnership as an exclusively defensive initiative.
Under the plan, the countries will coordinate the work of their national defense industries and develop a unified missile defense architecture designed to deter and repel potential attacks. The partners intend to align operational requirements, establish technical working groups and create a common management structure for the project.
The coalition will also prepare a roadmap aimed at achieving initial operational readiness. Another area of cooperation will focus on joint research and development under a flagship project, along with efforts to secure the necessary funding.
The countries behind the initiative said the system would not target the population of any state and would be intended solely to protect its members. The partnership will remain open to other countries wishing to join.