Von der Leyen’s concept currently lacks clarity on its scope, technical requirements, and financial implications, all likely to become contentious points in upcoming discussions. Nevertheless, the pressing need to bolster air defences along the EU’s eastern border with Russia is widely acknowledged. Von der Leyen’s concept currently lacks clarity on its scope, technical requirements, and financial implications, all likely to become contentious points in upcoming discussions. Nevertheless, the pressing need to bolster air defences along the EU’s eastern border with Russia is widely acknowledged.