Czechia proposes Euro Patriot air defense system following Zelenskyy's call
Photo: Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (Getty Images)
Czechia has supported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's idea of a joint European air defense system. This would strengthen Europe's contribution to NATO, according to a statement by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš at the Prague Defense Summit.
Czechia proposes Euro Patriot
The politician said that new solutions need to be sought to protect Europe.
"We must learn from the war in Ukraine and seek solutions, especially in the area of ballistic missile defense. Perhaps I am being naive, but I would like to convince our partners to focus on such a project," he said.
In his view, a European Patriot would provide much more than just security.
"The next major European project should protect our skies, strengthen our sovereignty, and prove that Europe has the will to determine its own future," Babiš said.
Zelenskyy's idea
The politician mentioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech at the NATO summit in Ankara, where he called on Europe to develop its own ballistic and anti-ballistic, as well as counter-drone defense systems.
"I believe he is right, and we now have the opportunity to act," the Czech prime minister said.
Babiš clarified that he had proposed a similar initiative — a joint European missile defense system program that he called Euro Patriot.
He explained that proven systems such as the US Patriot are the benchmark for countering ballistic threats.
According to the prime minister, they could be produced under license in Europe to reduce dependence on external supplies. However, it would be better to develop a joint European defense shield, as Europe has everything necessary to do so.
This would also strengthen Europe's contribution to NATO. Babiš said this is not about competing with the US.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Ukraine is holding talks on strengthening the country's air and ballistic missile defenses – from French SAMP/T systems and the FREYJA project to an agreement with Germany on PAC-2 missiles.
In addition, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine plans to develop ballistic missiles and a missile defense system in 2026-2027.
It was also reported that Patriot missiles are available around the world, and Zelenskyy called on partners to make a political decision on transferring them to Ukraine.
