European air defense system may be in place in 5 years – Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is convinced that it will be possible to build a pan-European air defense system in 5 years.

This is stated in an interview with the Funke media group published on its website.

Scholz emphasized that 14 European countries are interested in creating a “Sky Shield” in the EU.

“I hope that the protective shield will be created within the next five years. Now the government is talking to the manufacturers of various systems to prepare certain solutions,” he said.

He also reminded about the €100 billion fund, the money from which can be directed go to this project.

“We have created a special fund of €100 billion to be able to carry out the necessary expenses,” Scholz said.

As previously reported, Olaf Scholz spoke about the idea of creating a joint air defense system for Europe during his speech at Charles University in Prague in August 2022.

The joint air defense project is considered as a response to Russia’s war against Ukraine. In addition, Scholz said that Germany will invest “significantly” in air defense in the coming years.

He also noted that European countries have “a lot of catching up to do” in air and space defense.

At that time, this regards participation in the development of a joint sky protection system for Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and partners in Scandinavia.

As previously reported, Germany refused to transfer to Ukraine Patriot air defense systems that were offered to Poland.