France and Germany have reached a significant milestone by signing an agreement aimed at the joint development of a European missile early warning system. This initiative seeks to fortify continental defense by integrating both space- and ground-based sensors.
Referred to as the Jewel (Joint Early Warning for a European Lookout) initiative, this collaboration will lay the groundwork for the ODIN’s Eye project. It aims to create a comprehensive early warning capability against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats through a combination of a constellation of satellites and a network of ground-based radars. The project will utilize both existing and next-generation technologies.
At the forefront of this initiative is the ODIN’s Eye II program, spearheaded by Germany’s OHB System. This multi-national program brings together an extensive consortium of 43 companies from 14 nations, and it is underpinned by a substantial investment of 96.6 million euros (approximately $112 million) funded by the European Union.
The second phase of the ODIN program focuses on the definition, development, integration, and verification of a complete mission and system simulator. This is aimed at ensuring the efficacy and reliability of the early warning system.
The Franco-German initiative is designed to enable real-time data exchange through a standardized interface, paving the way for future participation from other European partners. With a target operational date set for 2030, the project’s space-based segment is expected to play a critical role in enhancing European defense capabilities.
Key objectives of the initiative include the detection and tracking of threats and the transmission of data that can facilitate appropriate countermeasures, including interception. The capability will incorporate a variety of sensors, leveraging both infrared and radar technologies, deployable in space as well as on terrestrial platforms.
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces emphasized that by launching the Jewel initiative, France and Germany are taking a proactive stance in bolstering a European early warning capability. This comprehensive approach aims to integrate space, land, and command resources within a fully European and sovereign framework.
In addition, the initiative is expected to strengthen the European pillar of NATO’s missile defense strategy. Both French and German teams are now poised to promote the Jewel initiative, encouraging collaboration with other European partners to enhance collective security.
