Netherlands Joins in French Initiative for Long-Range Missile Development for Europe

The Netherlands has joined Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden in a French initiative to develop long-range missiles for Europe. This was announced by the Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans. 

‘European countries need long-range missiles to deter Russian aggression. In Paris, I announced that 🇳🇱 also wants to participate in the 🇫🇷 initiative to develop long-range missiles (ELSA). Together with 5 partners (from Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden), we want to do more in Europe in this way!’ Brekelmans said. 

The day before, it became known that France began to consider the possibility of creating its own medium-range ballistic missile with a range of 1000 kilometres. The missile will not have very large dimensions, which means lower development costs, a lower price per unit and, as a result, a larger number of them. The French newspaper Challenges notes that the project is currently only being discussed between the French Armed Forces Command and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). Additional details of the possible new missile include a ground launcher, active manoeuvring in the terminal area before hitting the target, and means of breaking through missile defences.