EU Reopens Security Cooperation With Israel on Air, Space Defense
The European Union is moving to expand security cooperation with Israel in air and space defense, as well as advanced technologies, after a period of political cooling following the war in Gaza. This renewed engagement comes amid Europe's search for partners with advanced industrial and technological capabilities to counter competition from the United States, Russia, and China.
This week, Israeli Space Agency Director General Shiri Maman visited Brussels and met with European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova to discuss collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, and dual-use space technologies. The visit precedes a significant speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a space summit in Paris, where she is expected to address increasing competition and hostility in space and call for Europe to bolster its capabilities.
Maman told Politico that Israel is observing growing allied interest in dual-use technologies, which can serve both civilian and military purposes. She highlighted early warning systems as a key area of Israeli development, citing recent Iranian missile attacks and Israel's efforts to create systems that provide broad early warnings and minimize casualties.
The report indicates that this cooperation is part of a broader EU effort to rebuild closer military and technological ties with Israel, reversing a decline in collaboration due to political tensions surrounding the Gaza war. Europe's strategic competition with other global powers has prompted it to seek partners like Israel, particularly in air and space defense.
While a previous EU-backed European air defense system proposal in 2024 stalled due to political sensitivities regarding reliance on Israeli technology during the Gaza conflict, this stance is shifting. Israeli defense firm Rafael announced it will open a factory in Germany to produce its Iron Dome system, signaling significant expansion in Europe. Greece also recently signed a €3 billion deal with Israel for a multi-layered air defense network.
Maman described an "all-encompassing convergence" between Europe and Israel in multi-layered defense, emphasizing the roles of satellite imagery, data analysis, and AI. She noted that this defense concept extends beyond missile threats to include natural disaster response, leveraging Israel's proven expertise in sensing, warning, and analysis systems for both security and civilian applications.
