"Krone" commentary

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Analyzed for the "Krone": foreign policy expert Kurt Seinitz(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com)

The past few days in the Middle East have been a textbook example of what wars look like today and in the future: a sky full of drones and defensive missiles.

Israel's "Iron Dome" has turned out to be a miracle weapon. A national defense without defensive missiles, which Ukraine currently lacks, is defenceless against enemies.

This development shows how important the European missile defense shield Sky Shield is, which we have joined together with ultra-neutral Switzerland. Anyone who wants to deny the acquisition of this shield is gambling with the lives of Austrians.

The drone weapon, both for reconnaissance and for combat use, is also part of the historic turning point in warfare. Without them, meaningful national defense is not possible today. Azerbaijan, for example, used combat drones from Turkey to shoot Armenia to pieces in a blitzkrieg.

Only one military principle has not changed for centuries: Waging war (and defense) requires money, money and more money.

Europe's "peace dividend" after the collapse of the Soviet Union has been trampled underfoot by Putin. Serious national defense has its price. It's like an insurance policy: the premiums are annoying and cost money, but they are still cheaper than the costs of an emergency.