Europe Needs a "Iron Dome"-like Defense System, Proposes Spahn
Israel's Iron Dome system successfully fends off most incoming Iranian rockets, leading to an increase in conversations regarding its adoption by Europe. CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn is spearheading this call, advocating for a European version of the Iron Dome to protect against airstrikes, rockets, drones, and even space threats.
"It's about time we fully commit to and speed up the project of an Iron Dome for Europe," Spahn told various German newspapers. He draws parallels from events in Israel and Ukraine, emphasizing, "We have a duty to safeguard our population."
The Iron Dome: A European Pillar of the Transatlantic Alliance?
Spahn suggests advancing the Iron Dome project as a cornerstone of the European Union's collective security. However, his vision faces hurdles. Previously, Dirk Stettner, CDU faction leader in the Berlin House of Representatives, had suggested the possibility of a rocket defense system for Berlin based on the Israeli Iron Dome. Spahn's proposal will require discussions with the federal government.
The Iron Dome, in operation in Israel since 2011, is a short-range missile defense system that protects against incoming rockets and artillery. As a synonym for a comprehensive air defense system, Iron Dome plays a significant role in Israel's defense against aggressors.
Spahn Stands by Merz
In a controversial statement, Spahn defended Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who alleged that Israel was engaged in "dirty work" with its attacks on Iran. "He said what had to be said," Spahn commented. Merz's remark sparked harsh, cross-party criticism, but Spahn stood by it.
In this context, Spahn used the term "decisive blow." He stated, "Israel responded with a decisive blow to the terrorism of Hamas, Hezbollah, and now Iran." Yet, he acknowledged the suffering caused to the innocent.
A Matter of Priorities
As Germany pursues advanced, long-range missile defense capabilities like the Arrow-3 system, the need for Iron Dome for Europe remains questionable. Although Iron Dome boasts high interception rates against short-range rockets, its relevance in the European context is limited due to the predominance of longer-range threats, particularly from Russia.
While the Iron Dome could serve as a complementary system for Europe, its acquisition and integration would come with significant costs and technical challenges. Moreover, the operational environment in Europe seldom faces the mass, short-range rocket barrages that Iron Dome is designed to counter. As of now, both Germany and Europe are focusing on procuring Arrow-3 systems that cater better to their specific threat landscape.
- The call for a European Iron Dome, as proposed by Jens Spahn, is not only about protecting against airstrikes and drones but also space threats, following the same strategy applied by Israel.
- Amid discussions about the Iron Dome system for Europe, questions arise regarding its relevance in the European context, given the predominance of longer-range threats, particularly from Russia, and the operational environment in Europe seldom facing mass, short-range rocket barrages that the Iron Dome is designed to counter.
