EU allocates 1 billion euros for protection against hypersonic missiles: what is being developed.

According to ТСН: The European Union is actively developing its defense industrial complex, planning to allocate 1 billion euros in 2026 for the development of defense technologies, particularly to counter hypersonic threats.

"Special attention is given to air and missile defense systems capable of repelling hypersonic threats such as the Russian Kinzhal and Tsirkon systems," experts from EDF state.

What the European Defense Fund finances

Among the main investment areas:

• Development and modernization of main battle tanks, including new technologies for Leopard 2;
• Marine drones and UAVs for naval forces;
• Multiple launch rocket systems and other fire support means to replace old systems;
• Technologies for new fighter jets, including engines with a power of 25–35 kN and in-flight refueling;
• Electronic warfare systems using artificial intelligence and over-the-horizon radars for tracking hypersonic vehicles.

Financial distribution

• 68 million euros allocated for hypersonic missile countermeasure systems and endo-atmospheric interceptors;
• 125 million euros will go for the modernization of combat tanks;
• 25 million euros - for the development of multiple launch rocket systems, as the EU currently does not have its own serial systems of this type;
• 20–30 million euros - for future technologies: artificial intelligence, drone swarms, and quantum-secured networks.

Analysts note that this strategy allows reducing dependence on foreign weapons and strengthening defense cooperation among EU countries.

Since 2021, the European Defense Fund has invested over 4 billion euros in various defense projects, and this amount is growing every year. Apart from new developments, the fund also supports the acquisition of existing weapons through the SAFE program, which ensures the operational readiness of EU armies.

"The goal is to create an independent and modern defense capability for Europe that can counter any modern threats," comments Defense Express.

It is worth noting that earlier, the European Union allocated 90 billion euros to Ukraine, which are non-repayable and interest-free, for the next two years. These funds will be directed to budget and defense needs.

Thus, investment in new defense technologies is an important step for strengthening Europe’s security in the face of modern threats. Spending on modernization emphasizes the EU's commitment to self-sufficiency in defense, considering the challenges faced by its member states.