After the multiple incursions of in its airspacethe Take has intensified its efforts to make their defenses more robust. These attacks, which include with Russia and Belarushave evidenced growing concern about the alliance’s ability to handle large-scale threats.
The interception of drones tipo shahed, that invaded Polish airspace in mid-September, has sparked a debate about the cost of defense systems and NATO’s preparation to face a modern war with a high technological component.
Frank Roseformer Assistant Secretary for Arms Control in the Obama administration, who “Poland and its NATO partners responded quickly and effectively to the incursion”. A victory that, however, did not come cheap.
Each Shahed drone, manufactured by Russia, costs between 55,000 and 60,000 eurosaccording to various estimates. However, the interceptors used to shoot them down are much more expensive. The advanced air-to-air missiles (Sidewinder AMRAAM) used in the defense of Poland They range between 259,000 and 345,000 eurosso NATO is spending dozens of times more to take down a much cheaper threat.
The situation is complicated by the more sophisticated defense systemslike missiles Patriotwhose cost is almost 900,000 euros per interceptorand could rise to 3.5 million euros in certain versions. In this way, Rose points out thatThe missile defense “cost curve” is a critical challenge.
Difficult to maintain the industrial base
The concern, furthermore, is not limited to financial expenses. “The US is sending interceptors to its allies, including Israel, and the industrial base has been neglected for so long that manufacturing has become a complicated and time-consuming process“Warns Rose.
Los interceptores Patriot SM-3which protect countries like Israel, have a cost that varies between 8.6 and 24 million euros. As demand increases, American production capabilities are being rapidly depleted, making it even more difficult to replenish missile stockpiles.
This scenario highlights the lack of preparation to confront emerging threats, such as which, according to Rose, “They are radically transforming war, and in the United States we are in a precarious situation”.
The former secretary suggests that a viable solution could be the development of cheaper and more accessible technologieslike solid state lasers o microwave systems. These technologies would allow low-cost threats to be confronted more effectively and economically, without resorting to expensive ballistic missile interceptors.
Although the costs and technological limitations are serious, there are reasons for optimism. “What we have seen in Israel, the Middle East and Ukraine is that missile defenses have worked very well”explains a defense expert. In fact, systems like Patriot and THAAD have shown a effectiveness greater than 90% in various regions of the worldsuggesting that, despite the challenges, NATO and the United States can learn valuable lessons from current conflicts.
