2023-07-01 17:57:39
Neutral Austria plans to join the German project to build a better European air defense system. Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced this on Saturday.
“The threat situation has increased massively as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine,” the conservative politician explained the ongoing accession negotiations. Austria must therefore protect itself against drone and rocket attacks together with other European countries.
Against the background of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the “European Sky Shield Initiative” initiated by Germany is intended to help close gaps in the current NATO protective shield for Europe.
There are deficits, for example, in the area of ballistic missiles, which reach great heights on their trajectory, but also in the defense against drones and cruise missiles. More than a dozen European countries have already joined the project.
more on the subject
Doomed to crack down How Boris Pistorius is restructuring his ministry Interview with Minister for Europe “If Putin came to Austria, he would be arrested” Germany’s bare troops Suddenly the armaments industry should deliver at the push of a button – how can that succeed
Nehammer and Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner said in a joint statement that Austria’s status as a militarily neutral state would not be jeopardized by accession. “It’s about participation in a protective shield that serves to avert danger,” they argued.
As neutral EU members, Austria, Ireland and Malta blocked far-reaching security guarantees from the European Union for Ukraine this week. (dpa)
1688248159
#Austria #join #air #defense #system