The European Sky Shield initiative for defending Ukraine’s airspace may experience a revival following the President’s proposal for a “ceasefire in the sky.”

This concept is gaining support in European media as discussions progress toward a potential truce in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Sky Shield initiative was introduced by retired military planners from European countries in 2022, but it struggled to gain traction due to concerns about potential involvement in the conflict.

The initiative proposed the deployment of 120 fighter jets from European countries, independent of NATO, to safeguard the airspace over Kyiv and western Ukraine, defending against Russian cruise missiles and drones.

If approved, the protected area would encompass three active nuclear power plants, as well as Odesa and Lviv, but would not extend to the front lines or the eastern regions of the country.

Former European Air Force planners developed Sky Shield in collaboration with the Ukrainian military. Those behind the initiative believe that, given the recent developments, the concept of protecting portions of Ukraine’s airspace may now be viewed in a new light.

Western political circles are concerned that the NATO fighter jets threaten a direct conflict with Russia and could lead to a dangerous escalation of hostilities if an aircraft from either side is attacked or shot down. However, supporters argue that “the risk to Sky Shield pilots is low” because Moscow has not dared to fly its warplanes beyond the existing front line since early 2022.

Technical details of the initiative

Experts suggest that protecting the proposed airspace would necessitate the creation of a coalition fleet of 120 fighter jets, including F-16s or their operational equivalents, such as F-35s, Mirage, Eurofighter Typhoon, or JAS 39 Gripen, operating from European air bases.

To maintain operational effectiveness, the initiative would also require long-range radar detection aircraft, refueling planes, and specialized reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft. These capabilities are already available within EU countries and the United Kingdom.

According to the initiative’s proponents, the risk to pilots involved in Operation SkyShield would be minimal, as Russia has refrained from deploying its fighter jets to the areas outlined in the project during the full-scale invasion.

Coalition aircraft would operate solely over friendly territory, working in close coordination with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Airspace surveillance and monitoring could be conducted jointly or by the Ukrainian Air Force.

Operation SkyShield is supported by prominent figures such as General Philip M. Breedlove, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe and retired four-star general of the U.S. Air Force; Sir Richard Shirreff, former British Army general and NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in the early 2010s; and Aleksander Kwaśniewski, the former President of Poland.

Another supporter, Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Lithuanian foreign minister, stated: “The implementation of Sky Shield will be an important part of Europe’s revitalization, guaranteeing Ukraine’s effective security.”