By Li Cong
李聪
Some EU member states have started the research and development of the Hypersonic Missile Interceptor, according to the latest news by Defense News, a US news website.
近日，据美国“防务新闻”网站最新披露，欧盟部分成员国已开启“欧洲高超音速导弹拦截器”项目（以下简称“拦截器项目”）的研发工作。
It is reported that the European Defense Fund (EDF) previously announced the list of the first investment projects totaling 1.2 billion euros. The three-year project aims to establish a complete system including interceptors and sensors and integrate them into the air defense system for early warning, detection and interception of ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. At present, Spain's SENER Aeroespacial and Germany's Diehl Defense will serve as the main contractors for the interceptor project.
据了解，欧洲防务基金此前公布总额达12亿欧元的首批投资项目名单。该项目预计将耗时3年，目标是建立起包括拦截器和传感器在内的一整套系统，并整合至防空体系，针对弹道导弹和高超音速导弹进行预警、探测和拦截。目前，拦截器项目已确定由西班牙塞纳航天航空公司和德国迪尔防务公司担任主要承包商。
Analysts pointed out that most of the companies and institutions participating in the interceptor project are from the main research and development forces in the European aerospace industry, which reflects the EU's emphasis on hypersonic weapons. However, the project faces many practical difficulties.
分析人士指出，此次参与拦截器项目的企业和机构，多来自欧洲航空航天领域的主要研发力量，体现出欧盟对高超音速武器的重视程度。不过，该项目面临不少现实困难。
First, the results of cooperation are in doubt. Many weapons and equipment cooperative research and development plans have been proposed from the period of the European Community until the European Union period. However, many were forced to be canceled due to differences of interest. And more participants have led to a higher possibility of project cancellation. The interceptor project involves many EU member states, and different member states have different strategic interests, which will inevitably have an impact on the project's progress. In addition, the different levels and cooperation experiences of the participating institutions and enterprises will also lead to differences in terms of the complex hypersonic missile interceptor technology.
首先，合作成果存疑。欧洲共同体和欧盟时期曾提出大大小小的武器装备合作研发计划，其中有不少因利益分歧被迫取消，而且参与者越多，项目取消的可能性越大。拦截器项目涉及欧盟多个成员国，不同成员国各有不同的战略利益，这必然会对项目进展产生影响。此外，由于高超音速导弹拦截器技术的复杂性，各参与机构及企业水平不一，以往合作经历不同，可能会在技术层面产生分歧。
Second, it is difficult to secure funds. Although the project has received 90 percent of the planned funding, it is likely to require continuous additional investment due to the rapid development of hypersonic vehicle technology. Affected by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the regional situation, European countries currently have a heavy economic burden, and their economic development is not optimistic. It is a major issue whether they can afford the unplanned investment in the future.
其次，资金难有保障。虽然拦截器项目已获得计划内90%的资金投入，但考虑到高超音速飞行器技术正处于快速发展阶段，该项目很可能需要不断追加投资。受新冠肺炎疫情、地区局势变化等因素影响，欧洲国家目前经济负担较重，经济发展形势不容乐观，未来能否负担得起计划外的投资，也是一大问题。
Third, the US may intervene. The EU's research and development of its own hypersonic missile interceptor is of great significance for improving the EU's independence and autonomy and will weaken the strategic influence of NATO and the US in Europe to a certain extent. From its own interests, the US may interfere with the interceptor project from diplomatic and technical levels.
最后，美国可能出手干预。欧盟研发自己的高超音速导弹拦截器，对于提高欧盟独立性、自主性意义重大，同时将在一定程度上削弱北约和美国在欧洲的战略地位和影响力。美国从自身利益出发，可能会从外交、技术等层面对拦截器项目进行干扰。
In addition, the EU's eagerness to develop a hypersonic missile interceptor is closely related to the recent changing situations in Europe. The changing situation will add uncertainty to the development of the interceptor project.
此外，欧盟急于开发高超音速导弹拦截器，与近段时间欧洲地区局势变化息息相关。不断变化的局势，将给拦截器项目未来的发展增加不确定性。
