New Missile Orders from EU Countries: Strengthening European Air Defense Capabilities
The recently concluded Conference on European Air and Missile Defense marked a significant milestone in advancing the establishment of a common air defense system in Europe. The conference successfully achieved its objectives of raising awareness and fostering collaboration among participating nations to develop robust European air defense capabilities. With a shared understanding of the diverse range of threats faced by European airspace, including small drones, drone swarms, hypersonic missiles, and ballistic missiles, the conference generated a momentum towards enhancing collective defense.
Discussions at the conference brought to light differing perspectives on deterrence strategies. Countries possessing nuclear weapons, such as France, underscored the crucial role of nuclear deterrence in safeguarding European territory, particularly against ballistic missiles. Conversely, non-nuclear-armed states within NATO emphasized the importance of strengthening conventional air defenses, necessitating a delicate balance to maintain the credibility of nuclear deterrence while bolstering conventional forces.
Building upon the success of the conference, several European countries have expressed their intention to continue the dialogue in other European capitals. Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom have proposed organizing similar conferences in the future, aiming to foster an ongoing informal discussion on European air defense outside the existing institutional frameworks of NATO and the European Union.
One significant outcome of the conference was the signing of a letter of intent by France, Belgium, Cyprus, Hungary, and Estonia for the joint acquisition of 700 Mistral missiles. This joint procurement, facilitated by the European Defense Industrial Development Program (EDIDP), represents a vital step toward the collective acquisition of defense capabilities eligible for European Union financing. The creation of the EDIDP, spearheaded by France during the Versailles Summit in March 2022, has paved the way for increased collaboration and shared investment in European defense projects.
This collaborative missile acquisition presents a significant opportunity for MBDA, the renowned French defense contractor. Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, MBDA witnessed record levels of orders in 2022, totaling €9 billion and contributing to an impressive order backlog of €22.3 billion. The joint acquisition of Mistral missiles will enable MBDA to meet the growing demand for sophisticated weapons, countering emerging defense and attack technologies effectively.
In line with the increased requirements, MBDA has unveiled plans to ramp up its monthly production rate of Mistral missiles, doubling it from 20 to 40 units by 2024. Additionally, the company aims to streamline manufacturing processes and reduce the lead time for medium-range Aster missiles from 40 to 18 months, ensuring timely delivery to meet evolving defense needs.
This joint acquisition aligns with the recent budget increase for the new military programming law, as well as a recent order placed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAr). The OCCAr has recently notified the Franco-Italian joint industrial consortium Eurosam (comprising defense industry leaders MBDA and Thales) of a contract for the production of over 700 Aster missiles, with a value exceeding two billion euros.
The successful Conference on European Air and Missile Defense sets the stage for a more secure and united Europe, where collective defense capabilities and cooperation form the foundation of a resilient air defense system. Through ongoing dialogue and collaborative initiatives, European nations are forging a path towards a safer future for the continent.
