Czech PM proposes 'Euro Patriot' missile shield for European defense

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has proposed creating a joint European missile defense system dubbed "Euro Patriot," arguing that the continent needs stronger protection against ballistic missile threats.

Babiš unveiled the idea Thursday during his opening address at the Prague Defence Summit, saying European countries should pool their capabilities to develop the system and strengthen Europe's contribution to NATO.

The Czech prime minister stressed that his proposal was not intended to compete with the United States, which produces the Patriot air defense system currently used by several NATO members.

"We must learn from the war in Ukraine and seek solutions, particularly in the area of defense against ballistic missiles," Babiš said.

Babiš did not present a detailed plan, timeline or projected cost for the proposed system. Instead, he described it as a joint European effort that could bring together countries' financial, technological and industrial capabilities.

He compared the concept to Airbus, the European aerospace company created through cross-border cooperation, and argued that a similar approach could be applied to missile defense.

Babiš said Europe has discussed developing a missile shield comparable to Israel's defenses but that he had yet to see sufficient concrete progress.

"Perhaps I'm naive, but I'd like to try to convince our partners to focus on such a project," he said. The prime minister also argued that a joint program could create opportunities for Czech defense companies.

Russia's war against Ukraine has highlighted the challenge posed by ballistic missiles. Russia has used Iskander and Kinzhal missiles in attacks on Ukraine, while Kyiv has a limited number of systems capable of intercepting such weapons.

The U.S.-made Patriot is considered one of Ukraine's most important defenses against ballistic missile attacks, but the availability of both launch systems and interceptor missiles has been limited.

Babiš framed the proposal as part of a broader push for European NATO members to take greater responsibility for their own defense while maintaining strong ties with the United States.

He said a European missile defense program could contribute to what NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has described as "NATO 3.0," a phase in which European allies and Canada assume greater responsibility for defense while the United States remains firmly involved in the alliance.

The Prague Defence Summit, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, brings together political and military officials, security experts and defense industry representatives.

Discussions at the three-day event include Europe's defense capabilities, transatlantic cooperation, military mobilization and the future of NATO's ground forces.

For now, "Euro Patriot" remains a proposal from the Czech prime minister rather than an established European initiative. Babiš said he intends to try to persuade Czechia's European partners to pursue the concept.