WIESBADEN, Germany — On June 16, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Curtis King, the commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, contributed to a pivotal discussion at the Association of the United States Army LANDEURO event.
He joined an expert panel titled “Defending the Skies: Today’s Capabilities, Tomorrow’s Edge,” alongside notable figures such as Seanna Senior from Govini, retired Maj. Gen. John George of Leidos, Riki Ellison from the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, and Dr. Alexey Boiarskyi, a special adviser to the Ukrainian minister of digital transformation.
The focus of their conversation was the complex challenges surrounding air defense in Europe, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A critical point raised during the panel was the ability of Russia to sustain mass aerial attacks, which have been exemplified by the war in Ukraine. King expressed his astonishment at the capability of Russia to launch up to 700 one-way attack drones every single day.
“This isn’t a future threat; this is the threat we face today,” he stated emphatically.
King and Ellison underscored that the air defense environment in Europe has undergone a dramatic transformation due to the pressing realities of warfare, reshaping strategies to counter intensified threats.
According to King, effective ground-based air defense is essential; relying solely on aerial defense systems is insufficient to counter the massive assaults faced today.
The panel addressed the integration of offensive and defensive capabilities to improve responses to mass UAV strikes, showcasing systems like the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). This technology allows for the rapid detection of threats and the coordination of fire missions within milliseconds.
King emphasized the urgency of improving rapid data analysis and distribution, which is critical for effective defense. He noted, “We can’t wait nine months to do that,” highlighting the need for real-time upgrades to weapon systems, especially software enhancements.
The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is also seen as a vital part of evolving military capabilities, enabling quicker data gathering and adjustments to counter emerging threats in the conflict.
Another significant discussion point was the stark cost imbalance in current military engagements. Boiarskyi pointed out that the economic asymmetry of the conflict makes it challenging to use expensive interceptors against cheaper, expendable threats.
He remarked, “If it’s easier for the enemy to make more targets and you make more interceptors, no matter how sophisticated your interceptors are, they will be exhausted or overwhelmed.”
In response to this, the use of commercial off-the-shelf products emerged as a practical solution. These products are generally cheaper, easier to replace, and can be customized more readily to meet specific operational needs.
King highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts to develop unmanned systems equipped with sensors and effectors. These systems aim to establish a front line of defense that can intercept threats like UAVs without jeopardizing the safety of soldiers on the ground.
The Eastern Flank Deterrence Line (EFDL) emerged as a critical strategy to address these challenges. Serving as the backbone of deterrence, the EFDL aims to facilitate data sharing and coordination among European nations, thereby fostering a unified defense against aerial attacks.
Ellison remarked that the EFDL transcends national boundaries, providing a framework for a collective defense strategy.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has provided glaring lessons in the critical need for instantaneous data fusion and the sustainability of traditional interceptors amidst relentless attack cycles.
King, equipped with extensive experience as the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command’s Theater Army Air and Missile Defense Coordinator, emphasized the importance of seamless coordination between the Army and Air Force in contested airspaces.
This coordination is essential to allow for the deployment of interceptors while safeguarding air superiority and protecting ground forces maneuvering in rapidly contested environments.
The conference underscored that Europe is at a defining moment in its approach to air defense.
Building an “impenetrable sky fortress” over Europe requires not just advanced technological solutions but also strategic foresight and a unified commitment from all European nations.
As threats evolve, so too must the capacities to counter them, ensuring that Europe remains secure and resilient in the face of aerial challenges.
image source from：army
