What's happened
European nations are increasing defense spending and developing long-range missile systems amid rising threats from Russia. The UK plans to raise its defense budget to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, while France and Germany are advancing their missile capabilities, partly in response to Russia's missile strikes in Ukraine.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in European Defense
Europe is accelerating its missile development to reduce dependence on US technology and counter Russian threats. The UK’s plan to increase defense spending to 2.6% of GDP signals a significant shift, aiming for 5% by 2035, emphasizing hard power and alliances.
Geopolitical Implications
France's discussions with ArianeGroup about land-based ballistic missiles and Germany's interest in similar systems reflect a broader regional push for deep-strike capabilities. This move is driven by Russia's use of advanced ballistic missiles, which are difficult to intercept due to their speed.
Challenges and Outlook
While Europe is years away from deploying fully operational deep-strike missile systems, the current focus on reinvigorating industrial bases and manufacturing capacity indicates a long-term strategic shift. The disparity in European defense technology, with US dominance and fragmented European efforts, remains a hurdle.
Broader Impact
This development underscores Europe's desire for strategic independence and enhanced deterrence. The move could reshape NATO's military balance and influence future arms control negotiations, as European nations seek to develop comparable capabilities to Russia and the US.
What the papers say
The articles from Reuters and France 24 provide a comprehensive view of Europe's evolving missile capabilities. Reuters highlights the UK’s increased defense budget and joint missile programs with Germany, France, and Italy, emphasizing the strategic importance of hard power. France 24 offers insight into the geopolitical context, including France's ballistic missile program and the broader European effort to develop deep-strike capabilities. The contrasting focus on budget increases versus technological development underscores the complexity of Europe's defense strategy, balancing industrial reinvigoration with technological independence. Both sources agree that Europe is in the early stages of developing these advanced missile systems, driven by Russian missile threats and the desire for strategic autonomy.
How we got here
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European countries have sought to bolster their military capabilities. The US's arms exports and Europe's reliance on diverse defense systems have highlighted the need for independent, advanced missile technology. France has a domestically developed ballistic missile program, and other nations are exploring similar options to counter Russian missile advances.
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Common question
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Why Are European Countries Increasing Missile Defense Spending?
European nations are ramping up their missile defense budgets and developing long-range missile systems amid rising threats from Russia. This shift raises questions about Europe's strategic priorities, technological advancements, and the potential impact on global security. Below, we explore the reasons behind these defense upgrades and what they mean for the future of European and international stability.
More on these topics
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Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central and Western Europe. Covering an area of 357,022 square kilometres, it lies between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.