Europe seeks response to Russian Kinzhal and Zircon missiles

The European Union is moving to bolster its defence-industrial capacity, with plans to allocate €1 billion in 2026 for advanced defence technologies, including efforts to counter hypersonic weapons.

This was reported by Defense Express.

«Particular attention is being paid to air and missile defence systems capable of countering hypersonic threats such as Russia’s Kinzhal and Zircon missile systems, ” EDF experts said.

What the European Defence Fund finances

Among the main areas of investment:

• Development and upgrading of main battle tanks, including technologies for the next-generation Leopard 2;

• Naval drones and unmanned platforms for the navy;

• MLRS and other fire support systems to replace obsolete systems;

• Technologies for new fighter aircraft, including 25–35 kN turbofan engines and automatic aerial refueling;

• AI-powered electronic warfare systems and over-the-horizon radars for monitoring hypersonic vehicles.

Breakdown of funding

• €68 million goes to systems countering hypersonic missiles and endo-atmospheric interceptors;

• €125 million is assigned to upgrading main battle tanks;

• €25 million is allocated for multiple rocket launcher development, given that the EU currently does not have serial systems of this type;

• €20–30 million is devoted to future technologies: artificial intelligence, drone swarms, and quantum-protected networks.

Analysts note that this strategy helps decrease reliance on foreign arms and enhance defence collaboration among EU member states.

Starting in 2021, the EDF has invested over €4 billion in different defence projects, with the amount increasing annually. Besides funding new developments, the fund also backs the purchase of existing weaponry through the SAFE programme, ensuring the operational readiness of EU forces.

«The aim is to build an independent and modern European defence potential, able to respond to any current threats, ” Defense Express noted.