The ongoing war with Russia in Ukraine and fears of a reduction in US defense commitments are putting renewed emphasis on defense in Europe. In this context, the member states of the European Union (EU) have adopted a plan to work jointly in the development of air defense, electronic warfare and other military equipment. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
The European Defense Agency (EDA) announced four new projects on Tuesday. It signed agreements between the countries to develop air defense, munitions, electronic warfare and a European warship.
Most European countries have recently increased defense spending. Russia's invasion has necessitated preparations for high-intensity warfare in the region. Also, experts warn that under a leader like Donald Trump, the US could reduce its commitment to NATO.
The EU's top official for foreign and security policy, Josep Borrell, said efforts at the national level were necessary but not sufficient. The geopolitical context demands that we step up preparedness through concerted initiatives and increased spending.
The aim of these projects is to bring cohesion to the European defense market and ensure better value for arms procurement and development. According to the EDA, 18 countries will cooperate in air defense, 17 countries will work on the development of detonating munitions, 14 countries will develop electronic warfare technology and 7 countries will be involved in the development of European warships.
It is possible to block the signals of weapons such as drones through electronic warfare. Directional munitions move around the target area and hit randomly. The experience of the Ukraine war has proven the effectiveness of these technologies.
The agreements include short-term joint procurement, mid-term modernization and long-term development plans, EDA said. However, the financial value of the projects or the names of the potential companies have not yet been disclosed.
Experts believe that this initiative will open new horizons in European defense cooperation. Such joint projects will play an important role in ensuring regional security and preparing for future high-intensity wars.
