The Institutional Logic of Multi-Layered Air Defence Integration
Allied defence planning is undergoing a fundamental shift as NATO and the EU converge on a unified, multi-layered air and missile defence architecture designed to replace fragmented national systems with a coordinated, 360-degree shield. This analysis examines the institutional logic behind that transition, tracing how updated Alliance policies, EU-facilitated initiatives and new technical standards are reshaping the way air defence is conceived, procured and integrated. It clarifies why the effectiveness of future deterrence, reinforcement mobility and critical-infrastructure protection will depend on an architecture built around shared sensors, interoperable effectors and unified command-and-control networks. For professionals tracking capability development, strategic planning and industrial requirements, the report provides a structured framework for understanding how this integrated model is becoming a central determinant of long-term demand, investment priorities and operational readiness across the Alliance.