France and Germany to Create Joint Missile Early Warning System

France and Germany are planning to create a pan-European missile attack early warning system called JEWEL. The countries are preparing a memorandum of understanding to formalize this initiative. This is reported by the publication Hartpunkt, citing a decision of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council.

It is reported that this initiative, called JEWEL ("Pearl"), which is open for other countries to join, includes the preparation of a memorandum of understanding.

The project plans to use infrared sensors from the ODIN'S EYE program (funded by the European Defence Fund) to detect enemy missiles in space, as well as an existing network of ground-based radars.

It is noted that in Paris, this system is seen as an opportunity to provide timely information about the threat of a nuclear attack and to take countermeasures.

Only the US, China, and Russia have such early warning systems. It is assumed that the progress of the JEWEL program is closely dependent on the development of the European ODIN'S EYE program.

The JEWEL system operates on the principle of "dual control": space + ground-based assets.

Space echelon (ODIN'S EYE)

🔴 Satellites with infrared sensors are deployed in orbit.

🔴 These sensors can detect the thermal signature immediately after a missile launch; the engine flame is visible in the infrared range even in space.

🔴 The satellites provide a rapid early warning by detecting the fact of the launch.

Ground echelon (radar tracking)

🔴 After launch confirmation, ground-based radars begin to track the missile.

🔴 They determine the flight trajectory, speed, and direction.

🔴 This allows for the calculation of the potential target and flight time.

Unified command and control system

🔴 Data from satellites and radars are integrated in processing centers in France and Germany.

🔴 Algorithms are used to quickly exclude false alarms.

🔴 As a result, the command receives a reliable and timely warning of a missile attack.

In essence, JEWEL will become a European analogue of American early warning systems (e.g., SBIRS), but with an emphasis on autonomy in the EU's defense sector.