It's easier to give a billion

German authorities are discussing the feasibility of a transatlantic missile defense project

In Germany, the discussion about the country's possible participation in the multibillion-dollar military project Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) has entered a decisive stage. This ground-based tactical anti-aircraft installation is designed to increase the Bundeswehr's ability to repel essentially any enemy attack. The main executor of the project, which has already been joined by the United States and Italy, should be the European aerospace concern EADS (European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company). According to the German Ministry of Defense, the MEADS system will have no analogues in the world. It will be able to not only effectively counter “conventional threats” such as airplanes or helicopters, but also protect against medium-range missiles and tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Thus, according to the authors and supporters of this international project, the defense of one’s own and allied forces will be ensured as part of the prevention of international conflicts and crises.

Preparations for the production of MEADS installations are currently the only transatlantic project between the EU and the USA in the field of weapons production. The debate between his supporters and opponents became even more acute in Germany. The deadline for Germans to join MEADS expires on March 26, and it was on these days that representatives of the Green Party, which is part of the government’s “red-green” coalition along with the SPD, attempted a serious blow to plans for German participation in the creation of this “ miracle weapons."

In a special address, party expert on military equipment, Winfried Nachtwai, expressed the opinion that “in the current military and budgetary and political conditions,” Germany’s accession to this transatlantic project is “inappropriate.” Moreover, Nachtwai argues, the system is not that much of a priority or necessary. Consent to participate in the project, the document further says, is “another decision on a multi-billion dollar acquisition, which is based on economic and political considerations, but not on the motives of strengthening security.”

The main opponents of the “green” expert, however, were found in the ruling coalition itself. Social Democratic budget expert Elke Leonhard believes that “any attempt to take a step back from the project will cost even more.” This circumstance was deeply felt by the Federal Minister of Finance Hans Eichel, known for his hoarding when it comes to such multilateral undertakings in the field of military equipment. In this case, he fully blessed the expenses that Germany will have to bear specifically (1 billion euros), and intends to immediately submit the relevant documents for consideration by the budget committee of the Bundestag.

If parliament approves the allocation of this money, then by 2014 Germany, together with other participants in this project, will be able to replace the Patriot and Roland air defense systems currently in service. The developers of MEADS on one side of the Atlantic are the American Lockheed Martin Corp., and on the other - EADS and the English Alenia Marconi Systems. Back in October last year, when discussing the issue of participation in the federal government, Germany spoke in favor of this prospect, since the project is “a symbol of relations with the United States.” Now, after a certain thaw in relations between Federal Chancellor Schröder and US President Bush, such a symbol may prove even more useful.

Yuri Shpakov, Berlin