EU announces 11 new defense projects
On Tuesday, the EU announced 11 new joint defense projects under the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), which is part of the EU's security and defense policy.
This was reported by Defence News.
The new projects include training, ammunition, artillery countermeasures, air-launched missiles, and medium helicopters. The new projects will be in addition to the 57 already established under the PESCO program, which brings together participants to jointly finance and develop new defense capabilities.
According to EU External Action Service Chief Josep Borrell, who said that more than 50 PESCO projects should reach the "implementation phase" by 2025, the 11 new projects will strengthen Europe's ability to fight a high-intensity war.
"Against the backdrop of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and its military consequences, including the requirements for high-intensity warfare, these new PESCO projects aim to provide critical capabilities with a greater operational focus. We cannot build a strong European defense without ensuring that European armed forces are ready and equipped to meet future challenges," Borrell said.
Author - Olena Madiak, 24/05/2023
