Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed the creation of a European air defense system modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, according to Novinite.
Emphasizing the necessity of a unified defense strategy for all of Europe to fend off potential threats, Mitsotakis outlined his vision for a European air defense system encompassing all EU countries, akin to Israel's Iron Dome. He stressed the importance of collective utilization of European resources to provide air defense for each member country, irrespective of their national budgets.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias echoed Mitsotakis' sentiments, underscoring the urgency of implementing such a defense mechanism in Greece and across Europe. Dendias emphasized the need to prepare for potential large-scale attacks utilizing drones and missiles, highlighting the importance of proactive defense strategies.
Acknowledging that developing such a program will take time, Dendias noted that funds have been allocated in the country's budget program until 2030 to support this initiative, indicating a long-term commitment to bolstering air defense capabilities both domestically and within the broader European context.
European air defense initiative
In August 2022, Germany launched its own Sky Shield initiative, based on the need to strengthen air defense in Europe and achieve more effective coordination of efforts.
Recently, Switzerland joined the project to create a unified European air defense system. Currently, 21 countries have joined the initiative.