Macron calls for Europe to build independent air defense systems.
French President Emmanuel Macron called on European nations to develop their own airspace defense systems and not rely too much on the US, citing the urgency of the issue due to Russia's war in Ukraine. Macron advocated for enhanced European standards and for European defense equipment manufacturers to build independent military systems and relocate production on the continent. The talks included anti-drone combat and ballistic missile defense, and nuclear weapons deterrence was also on the agenda.