All articles tagged with #european defense
Five NATO members — Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom — launched LEAP to jointly develop low-cost autonomous drones within a year to bolster Europe’s air defenses and ensure defense costs match the evolving threats from Russia, backed by a multimillion-euro commitment.
An opinion piece argues Europe should build a stronger European pillar within NATO and reduce dependence on the U.S., stressing Europe’s existing military capabilities and industrial base, the need for better resilience, and a revised ally bargain that treats Europe as an equal partner rather than a US-dependent ally.
EU defense chiefs argue Europe must build its own military power and even a European pillar within NATO amid a more dangerous world and a less reliable US, widening a rift with Mark Rutte over Europe’s security future. They urge faster European coordination, less veto risk, more defense spending, and a stronger European defense industry, while pursuing partnerships with like-minded partners to reduce reliance on the United States.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is prioritizing keeping the U.S. on side—especially President Trump—to preserve alliance unity, a stance that has provoked friction with EU capitals pushing for a more autonomous European security posture; the Greenland confrontation and a pledge to raise defense spending highlight widening divisions inside NATO, with supporters saying he’s kept the alliance intact while critics warn the approach could erode Europe’s own security role.
Belgium will contribute a single officer to a Danish-led Greenland reconnaissance mission to assess logistics and conditions, framing it as burden-sharing and reassurance rather than a confrontation with the United States amid rising European Arctic activity and Trump’s rhetoric about Greenland.
Poland is investing over €2bn in anti-drone fortifications along its eastern border to counter Russian aerial threats, following recent drone incursions, with plans to complete the system within two years, amid heightened tensions and increased defense spending.
France plans to build a new, larger aircraft carrier, PANG, to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle, with operations expected by 2038, aiming to bolster national and European defense capabilities amid geopolitical tensions.
France is preparing for increased security threats from Russia amid the US's perceived disengagement from European defense, boosting military spending, reintroducing conscription, and seeking to lead European security efforts, all while navigating political uncertainties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
NATO is preparing for a potential confrontation with Russia with limited US support as the US reduces its military presence in Europe, raising concerns among European nations about their ability to defend themselves independently amidst ongoing tensions and Russian aggression.
EU leaders are set to discuss a 'drone wall' for continental defense and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine at a Copenhagen summit, amid recent airspace violations by unidentified drones over Denmark and neighboring countries, prompting increased military and security measures across Europe.
Denmark has reported multiple drone sightings near military bases, raising security concerns amid heightened tensions and suspected Russian activity, with neighboring Germany also increasing drone defense measures. NATO emphasizes a strong response to airspace violations, and Denmark is seeking additional anti-drone capabilities, including legislation to shoot down drones.
European defense ministers have agreed to develop a 'drone wall' along borders with Russia and Ukraine to improve detection and interception of rogue drones, amid rising airspace violations and hybrid threats, with plans to build the system within a year and discuss further at upcoming EU summits.
Denmark plans to acquire long-range strike weapons to enhance its deterrence capabilities and contribute to NATO's collective defense, following a government decision to invest in advanced missile systems and integrate them into its armed forces, with potential options including Tomahawk missiles and JASSM-ER, aligning with broader European efforts to develop long-range strike capabilities.
Denmark has chosen the European SAMP-T air defense system over the US-made Patriot due to higher costs and longer delivery times, as part of its largest-ever defense investment prompted by recent conflicts and the need for rapid, layered air defenses across the country.
Drones launched by Ukraine targeted multiple regions in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, causing fires and disruptions, amid ongoing tensions and recent Russian attacks on Ukraine and Poland, prompting European interest in Ukrainian anti-drone systems.