Berlin needs protection: CDU suggests its own Iron Dome!

Berlin needs protection: CDU suggests its own Iron Dome!

Berlin, Deutschland - Dirk Stettner, the CDU parliamentary group leader in the Berlin House of Representatives, has submitted a proposal that causes a stir in the current security policy landscape of Germany. The politician calls for the implementation of a rocket defense system in Berlin, similar to the Israeli "Iron Dome". His argument is based on the increasing challenges of Russian aggression, which are a serious threat to the security of the capital.

Stettner emphasizes that the protection of the Berlin population requires investments and emphasizes the urgency to bring up the topic in the federal government. A suitable platform for this could be the upcoming negotiations on a new capital contract that should regulate essential questions about the financing of central tasks in Berlin, including security.

the need for a protection system

The existing agreement on the capital financing, which expires after ten years at the end of 2027, is currently running, and it is clear that new regulations are necessary. Stettner sees a model in the "Iron Dome" that has proven itself; This system has been protected against short-range missiles since 2011 and is an integral part of a multi-stage defense system that is also equipped against medium and long-distance weapons.

The functionality of the "Iron Dome" includes a radar device that recognizes the floating storey and forwards the information to a rocket launcher. This enables a quick start of the interceptual rocket, whereby the system's hit rate is around 90 percent according to Israeli information. This performance makes the system a suitable model for a possible use in Berlin.

Germany looking for a solution

In another context, the purchase of a missile defense system for all of Germany is currently being examined at the federal level. The background is the consequences of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and the associated threats against NATO countries. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has underlined the need to show strength to detort. A possible solution could be the "Arrow 3" system from Israel, which is able to neutralize attacking weapon systems at heights of over 100 kilometers.

currently Germany is equipped with the use of "Stinger" air defense missiles against aircraft and helicopter as well as the "Patriot" system for medium distances of up to 30 kilometers. Nevertheless, there is a "ability gap" in defense against ballistic rockets, which illustrates the urgent need for further developed systems.

experts warn of unrealistic expectations of the defense systems, since a complete defense against all rockets cannot be guaranteed. In particular, the new hyperschallrakets developed by Russia are a significant challenge because their high speed and maneuverability can outperform current defense systems.

The discussion about the security and protection of Germany and Berlin's against possible rocket attacks will continue to increase against the background of innovative defense technologies. In this context, Stettner's suggestions could give a new impulse for the security policy discussions and necessary decisions at different levels.

For more information about the suggestions and the security policy situation, the article from KN-Online are consulted, as well as the reporting on Tagesschau.de , which illuminates the nationwide measures.