Austria now involved

Sky Shield: Tanner has signed in Brussels

With Defense Minister Tanner's signature, Austria is now part of the joint European air defense initiative.(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Austria has now officially joined the Sky Shield air defense initiative. On Tuesday, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) signed a corresponding declaration with Germany in Brussels. The initiative is a reaction to the Russian attack on Ukraine and aims to create a stronger air defense shield over Europe.

The signing of the so-called Memorandum of Understanding took place on the fringes of a meeting with Tanner's counterparts. It also addresses the EU Commission's proposals for strengthening European defense readiness and the arms industry.

21 countries involved so far
Participation in Sky Shield takes place in several phases. Together with Austria, 21 European countries are currently taking part in the initiative launched by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Joint weapons purchases to close gaps
In October 2022, the defense ministers of several European countries signed a joint declaration of intent to launch the European Sky Shield Initiative on the sidelines of a NATO meeting. Gaps in the existing protective shield are to be closed, including through joint purchases of weapons systems.