Der Spiegel: 12 EU countries have decided to create a common air defense system

The idea of ​​German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to create a common air defense system is finding more and more supporters and is taking on a concrete framework. Many Eastern European countries have expressed their interest in it.

As it became known to the publication Der Spiegelon the eve of the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, a joint statement of intent by European states wishing to participate in this project will be signed.

Sources say that in addition to Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Netherlands want to sign the declaration of intent. There are 12 countries in total.

Once the document is signed, extensive project planning can begin. Perhaps other countries will join the declaration.

Scholz proposed to create a new air defense system in August in Prague. It is expected to provide security for the entire continent, be more cost-effective and efficient than national systems.

Berlin now has the American Patriot air defense, which is considered highly effective, but not suitable for creating a general shield. For this, Israeli anti-missile systems “Strela” will be purchased. They will be combined into a single protective screen.

It is not yet clear at whose expense the project will be financed. Germany would like to get a leading role in the project, but Berlin alone will not be able to cope with multibillion-dollar spending.

Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev in response to the proposal of the former director of the CIA and former US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to use American cruise missiles against Russia reminded “to the old fool from Pindostan” about the existence of Moscow’s own nuclear forces.