Prime Minister Rob Jetten expects a new European coalition to deliver part of a joint missile defence system within a year.
The coalition brings together nine European countries, including Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands, along with Ukraine. According to Jetten, the project will focus on developing missile defence technology in Europe that is more efficient and less expensive than many existing American systems.
“We actually expect to be able to deliver part of the anti-aircraft defences within a year, and for the more complex cases within a year and a half,” Jetten told ANP.
The new missiles are intended mainly to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences. However, Jetten said they would also help protect European airspace in the future.
For now, Ukraine remains reliant on American Patriot missile systems. “But we are also going to deploy a European alternative alongside them at a rapid pace,” he said.
Close cooperation
Defence companies from the ten participating countries will work closely together on the project. Among them is Destinus, a company headquartered in Valkenburg, South Holland, which produces drones and cruise missiles.
Russia continues to launch ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine almost daily. Patriot missiles are currently the main system used to intercept them, but supplies are limited. The United States has also used large numbers of Patriot missiles in its war with Iran, which began in February.
Ballistic missiles
Jetten said Russia has significantly increased its production of ballistic missiles, creating a growing security concern for Europe.
The war has also driven rapid innovation in Ukraine’s defence industry. The country now produces advanced drones and missiles capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometres inside Russia.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
