Missile Defenses in Europe: An Undersized System

Missile defense in Europe presents both strengths and significant weaknesses, with the fragmentation of resources and the lack of an overall capacity sufficient to face missile threats for an extended period. Currently, the missile defense systems of European countries, although varying depending on the nations, would not be able to withstand a prolonged attack similar to recent ones that have hit Kiev or Tel Aviv.

A Fragmented and Undersized Defense

Although some European countries, like Italy and France, have a certain completeness of missile defense systems (with products for short, medium, and long range), the situation in other countries, like Germany, is different. Germany has chosen solutions not entirely European, such as the American Patriot systems and the Arrow systems developed by Israel and the United States. This diversity of approaches among European nations leads to a fragmentation of resources, making the overall defense insufficient to face a prolonged crisis.

The existing defenses are not capable of sustaining for an extended period, such as a month, intense missile attacks. The assessment of long-term missile defense capability depends on the resources and strategies adopted by individual countries and NATO.

Investments to Strengthen Missile Defense

To strengthen European missile defense, considerable investments are necessary. In the face of advanced threats, such as hypersonic missiles, increasing investments in research and development becomes essential. It is estimated that tens of billions of euros are needed to replenish missile and defense system stocks, as well as to develop new technologies capable of responding to future challenges.

Global powers like the United States are currently ahead in terms of production and technological capabilities. American companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon-Rtx provide advanced missile systems to the Pentagon, with significant costs for U.S. defense. However, Europe is close in some areas, such as defense against atmospheric threats, but remains behind in protection against missiles traveling outside the atmosphere or against hypersonic missiles.

The Growing Demand for Patriot Systems

Another significant issue concerns the growing demand for missile systems, such as Patriot missiles. Many European countries, including Italy, find themselves on long waiting lists to purchase these systems, forcing some to seek alternative solutions. This situation highlights the need to increase the production of missile systems in Europe to meet growing demands.

NATO has set ambitious goals for increasing defense spending, aiming for 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% dedicated to cybersecurity and infrastructure. This goal, although positive, requires Europe to better integrate its defense programs, particularly those related to armament production. Greater cooperation among European countries could lead to cost reduction and greater efficiency in production, strengthening collective defense capability.

Italy and Defense Investment Prospects

Italy currently spends between 9 and 10 billion euros annually on the purchase of military equipment. In the future, the Italian defense industry could absorb a doubling of this expenditure, but this will require a significant commitment in human resources, machinery, and raw materials. Italy could also benefit from the opportunities offered by the EU Commission's Safe program, which provides loans at favorable interest rates for defense projects in collaboration with other countries. This program could help strengthen Italy's position not only as a buyer but also as a producer and exporter of defense solutions.

Conclusions

Missile defense in Europe faces several challenges related to resource fragmentation, the need to increase investments in research and development, and the growing demand for advanced systems like the Patriots. Only with a substantial increase in investments and greater integration among European countries will it be possible to build a defense system capable of facing emerging missile threats and ensuring the continent's security.