EU Approves Defence Report and Cooperation for Joint Development of Air Defence, Kamikaze Drones, and Electronic Warfare Systems
European Union defence ministers yesterday approved the report on the 2024 Coordinated Annual Defence Report and signed letters of intent for the joint development of specific types of weapons in the EU to promote closer cooperation between governments in the defence sector, the European Defence Agency (EDA) reported.
Groups of countries have signed letters of intent to develop air and missile defence, electronic warfare (EW) and kamikaze drones, and to create a European warship.
In particular, 18 EU members agreed to cooperate in the field of air defence. Kamikaze drones will be jointly developed by 17 countries, electronic warfare equipment by 14 countries, and a warship by 7 countries.
It is noted that by 2040, preparations for joint procurement of a European warship should be made.
‘The scope of these letters of intent ranges from short-term joint procurement, medium-term modernisation and renewal to long-term development of future capabilities,’ the statement said.
Earlier it became known that for the first time in its history, the European Union approved support for joint defence procurement by its member states, including missiles and ammunition, some of which will be used to support Ukraine.
Also, the future European Commission will focus on defence policy and create the post of European Commissioner for Defence.
