CDU demands rocket protection screen: is Berlin ready for the Iron Dome?

CDU demands rocket protection screen: is Berlin ready for the Iron Dome?

The CDU parliamentary group Berlin put the proposal for the creation of a "protective shield via Berlin" on July 5, 2025 at its closed conference in Augsburg. An air defense system based on the model of the Israeli "Iron Dome" is challenged. This concept provides for the latest air defense systems to be stationed in Berlin's surrounding area, especially Iris-T and Patriot batteries. Dirk Stettner, group leader of the CDU in the House of Representatives, said in June that such a "Iron Dome" in Berlin was necessary.

The initiative is encountered by CSU boss Markus Söder and Chancellor Merz, who support the idea of ​​a rocket protection screen for Germany. In addition to the introduction of an air defense system, the decision also aims to improve and modernize public warning systems, such as sirens, apps and digital ads. Measures to restore bunkers and shelters as well as the establishment of a drone defense system are also required.

criticism of the suggestions

The suggestions of the CDU parliamentary group also found critical voices. Tobias Schulze, the leader of the left in the Berlin parliament, described the idea as inappropriate and as a "marketing gag". He emphasized that air defense was a matter of the federal government and that Berlin has no handling on this matter. In addition, Schulze advocates an alternative approach to a "heat protection shield" instead of a rocket protection screen.

The context of the current air defense debate in Germany is shaped by the European Sky Shield Initiative (Essi), which was launched in August 2022 at the suggestion of Germany. This initiative aims to strengthen the common European air defense, since many states have identified securely gaps in relation to air strikes. This was particularly reinforced by the war in Ukraine, which has changed the perception of threat in Europe.

The Essi currently belongs to 19 European countries that work together to obtain air defense systems, to operate and wait to create synergies and minimize costs. These systems include the Iris-T SLM, which offers up to 40 kilometers of range, and the Patriot system, which is already in use with the German armed forces. The latter has a range of up to 68 kilometers and is able to ward off various threats.

An effective air defense system is formed by several connected systems that cover different ranges. The planned systems also include the Arrow-3 developed by Israel and the USA, which can intercept enemy rockets outside the earth's atmosphere and its operation for the German Bundeswehr is expected at the end of 2025.

In addition, the Essi aims to promote interoperability between the participating nations and thus enable an integrated European defense approach. However, political, economic and military challenges must be recognized and managed to effectively shape the common security architecture.