• Switzerland, which is known for its foreign-policy neutrality, along with Austria signed a declaration of intent to join the European air defence system Sky Shield.

ABOUT ESSI

• ESSI aims to create a European air and missile defence system through common acquisition of air defence equipment and missiles by European nations to strengthen NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
• Initiative was last year spearheaded by Germany after Russia invaded Ukraine.
• 19 countries have joined the Europe-wide defence system which also involves countries including the United Kingdom, the Nordic and Baltic countries, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.