Lithuanian Eurocommissioner Calls on the Old World to Enter the Missile Arms Race 0 9

EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that the war against Iran has created a shortage of Patriot systems, which are critically needed by Ukraine. He urged Europe to adopt the experience and innovations in air defense from Kyiv.

EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius called for large-scale investments in air defense systems of European countries in light of Iran's missile strikes on targets in the Middle East and beyond. "We must sharply increase the production of missile defense systems," he said in an interview with the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

The former Prime Minister of Lithuania expressed concern about the state of European air defense due to the war against Iran - especially regarding Ukraine. "This concerns the Patriot systems, which the Ukrainians urgently need, but which are currently in high demand in the Persian Gulf region," he explained.

"It will take time to close the gap that has formed. Therefore, we need to think about European missile defense systems," emphasized Kubilius. According to him, the European defense industry could collaborate in this area with Ukraine, which is seeking partners in Europe. "They have become very quick and innovative in development," noted the Eurocommissioner.

Europe must learn from Ukraine and in the context of a possible threat from Russia, pointed out Andrius Kubilius. "If in 2029 or 2030 we face Russian aggression, we will be opposed by a battle-hardened army, stronger than in 2022, capable of deploying millions of drones," warned the Eurocommissioner.

He also noted that Ukraine, unlike European states, has accumulated combat experience - both industrially and on the battlefield. The Eurocommissioner urged EU member states to urgently unblock multi-billion aid to Ukraine. "We must understand that it will be significantly more expensive for Europe if Ukraine does not withstand against Russia," emphasized the Lithuanian conservative.