As Russia Advances in Ukraine, Europe's Dysfunctional Defense Sector Hits Industrial Roadblocks
Creating a defense sector that can deter Russian aggression means overcoming fragmentation, supply-chain bottlenecks and an innovation gap.
German soldiers enter an armored vehicle during a NATO military exercise in Lithuania, in May.
Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/BloombergA remotely controlled aircraft armed with the latest tactical missiles hovers near Europe’s borders with Russia, scanning the landscape for potential targets. Its stealth and artificial intelligence embody a vision of self-reliant European defense — one that doesn’t lean on US firepower.
At least, that’s the idea. In reality, the Future Combat Air System — including the Eurodrone and a next-generation fighter jet — have become symbols of European defense dysfunction. While Russia has fully transitioned to a war economy, Europe’s projects remain bogged down by infighting. France wants a lightweight Eurodrone for African missions; Germany insists on a second engine for safer patrols over Berlin and Munich. The disputes have caused delays, and the system may not be operational until well into the 2040s.