SPD calls for more skyrangers to defend air after drone incident

In view of the penetration of Russian drones into the Polish airspace, the SPD parliamentary group calls for better equipment from the Bundeswehr to defend air defense. “Our air defense capacities still need to be expanded,” said the deputy parliamentary group leader Siemtje Möller of the Funke media group.

In addition to the reworking of the Patriot and Iris-T systems submitted to Ukraine, a significantly higher number of Skyrangers, a mobile aircraft system on vehicles are required. “The 18 pieces ordered so far are far from enough,” said Möller.

The inspector of the army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, had recently described the lack of skills to defend drones as the greatest weakness of the Bundeswehr. He advised the greatest possible effort to further build up the defense of drones.

During a Russian air raid on Ukraine during the night of Wednesday, a large number of drones were in the airspace of Poland and thus NATO. The Polish Air Force and other NATO allies in Poland shot some Russian drones for the first time. Germany announced on Thursday to send more fighter jets in Polish airspace. France also sends fighter jets for protection.

Meanwhile, Hesse’s Prime Minister Boris Rhein wants to rely more on national armaments. “We need a German guarantee of Germany for defense. With the federal federal defense billions, a combat capacity and economic stimulus package for Germany must be put together-with orders for our national armaments industry, investing in combat drone production and in the defense capacity of our infrastructure,” said the CDU politician of the “picture”.