June 24, 2023
3 mins read

Macron pushes for more ‘independent’ Europe, Free from US

Macron pushed for European defense equipment manufacturers to build independent military systems…reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron called on European nations Monday to seek more independence on airspace defense and advocated against relying too much on the US, a long-divisive issue that takes on new urgency because of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Macron made his case for Europeans building their own airspace protection strategy rather than relying on a system built from American and Israeli components as he delivered the closing speech of a conference in Paris gathering defense ministers and other representatives of 20 European countries.

The talks included anti-drone combat and ballistic missile defense, French organizers said, noting that Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shown the importance and effectiveness of such equipment. Nuclear weapons deterrence was also on the agenda.

“We need to know what the threat situation is … And then, what are we, Europeans, able to produce? And what do we then need to buy?” Macron said.

He warned against purchasing immediately “what’s on the shelves.”

Among nations who took part in the meeting were Germany, the UK and Sweden as well as Ukraine’s neighbors Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Representatives of NATO and the European Union also attended.

Macron pushed for European defense equipment manufacturers to build independent military systems and relocate production on the continent. He also called for enhanced European standards.

“Why do we still need to buy American too often? Because Americans have standardized much more than we have, and they themselves have federal agencies that provide massive subsidies to their manufacturers,” he said.

The one-day meeting took place on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show, the world’s largest event focusing on aviation and space industry that opened Monday.

France has been openly critical of German-led plans for improved European air defense capabilities. The so-called European Sky Shield project, launched at the end of last year, is made up of 17 European nations including the UK — but not France. It’s meant to be integrated within NATO air and missile defense systems.

The French government believes the project doesn’t adequately preserve European sovereignty, because it’s expected to be largely based on US and Israeli air defense systems.

The German-led plan is expected to feature the Israeli Arrow 3 system and build on existing US Patriot missile capabilities.

The long-range Arrow 3 system, designed to shoot down missiles above the Earth’s atmosphere, is powerful enough to offer protective cover for neighboring European Union states.

According to Israeli manufacturer IAI, the Arrow 3 system is able to intercept ballistic missiles fired from a distance of up to 2,400 kilometers (1,490 miles).

The system was first deployed in an Israeli air force base in 2017 and has been used to protect Israel against attacks from Iran and Syria.The system is expected to cost up to 3.99 billion euros in total, according to Finance Ministry documents seen by AFP.

“With the European Sky Shield Initiative, we are bringing together European states to jointly increase protection against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a news conference earlier Monday in Berlin with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Scholz made no reference to Paris’ objections to the initiative.

Defense has been a recurrent bone of contention between the two countries, with France complaining that Germany wasn’t doing enough in the area for years — until the war in Ukraine led Berlin to announce a major boost to military spending.

Macron said Monday that the Mamba anti-missile system developed together by France and Italy “is now deployed and operational in Ukraine, protecting key installations and lives.” The delivery of the system to Kiev was announced by Paris and Rome in February.

“It really is Europe protecting Europe,” Macron said.

ALSO READ: MBZ, Macron advance strategic ties

Previous Story

Modi lands in Cairo for first State visit to Egypt

Next Story

Hungary’s relationship with Ukraine strained

Latest from -Top News

China Doubles Down in Pacific

The Government of New Zealand raised concern as China conducted this second live firing exercise following the warning on Friday and Saturday….reports Asian Lite News In yet another provocative act, China conducted

India Urges Bangladesh to Reject Terrorism

The EAM had held a series of meetings with his counterparts from the neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, on February 16…reports Asian Lite

Mauritius Welcomes Modi for National Day

Over the past many years, the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underlined New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to its special and enduring partnership with Mauritius….reports Asian Lite News Prime

Kash Patel Takes Charge at FBI

Kashyap Pramod Vinod Pate 44, becomes the ninth Director of the FBI and the first of India and Asian descent…reports Asian Lite News Kash Patel said on Friday that the American dream

Rushdie Attacker Found Guilty

Hadi Matar, 27, now faces a sentence of more than 30 years in prison, along with federal terrorism-related charges…reports Asian Lite News A New Jersey man who stabbed renowned British-Indian author Salman
Go toTop

Don't Miss

No absolute majority for Macron after legislative polls

The abstention rate of the second-round vote stood at 53.77

Macron accuses Morrison of lying about submarine deal

The deal was announced then by the United States, United