Greece and Turkey join European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the unity among the 21 European nations now committed to the initiative, including Germany’s acquisition of the Diehl IRIS-T SLM surface-launched, medium-range air defence system, with the first deliveries expected next year. The initiative seeks to leverage common procurement strategies to achieve cost efficiencies and strengthen air defence capabilities across Europe.

The next phase of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) involves collaborative training and operational efforts among member countries, along with the creation of user communities for the various defence systems being acquired.

Both Dendias and Güler emphasized the initiative’s role in enhancing integrated air and missile defence capabilities, fostering innovation, and promoting cooperation among European defence ecosystems. Turkey, in particular, plans to offer its domestically developed air defence solutions as part of its contribution to the initiative.