Twelve countries, including the UK, will invest over £37bn ($50bn) in a new long-range missile project, Deep Precision Strike, to enhance European defence. Unveiled ahead of the Nato summit in Ankara, the initiative aims to strike targets up to 1,250 miles away with pinpoint accuracy, bolstering mutual security against Russian threats.
Europe is concerned the US defense industrial base cannot fulfill weapons pledges to NATO allies due to depleted stockpiles from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. This leaves allies considering new defense avenues as US arms shipments are delayed or canceled.
As the 10th anniversary of Brexit approaches, Britain debates rejoining the EU, focusing on economic benefits and political feasibility. However, the discussion largely ignores the perspectives of other European nations and the EU's own priorities, such as Ukraine and global economic challenges. While some UK politicians advocate for rejoining, the EU has other candidates and a minority who may not welcome Britain back.
A consortium led by Airbus has proposed a new fighter jet plan after the collapse of the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. The proposal, submitted to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, aims to revive European defense integration following disagreements between industrial partners.
Nato conducted a war game in a secret Charing Cross bunker simulating a 2030 Russian invasion of Estonia. The exercise highlighted the British army's drone shortage and the need for AI-driven defense systems, aiming to influence Ministry of Defence funding.
An event at the Turin International Book Fair focused on European Defence procurement, exploring strategies for security investments and cooperation between armed forces, industry, universities, and research. Colonel Federico Raffaelli highlighted the importance of technological capabilities and Torino's role in the sector.
The announcement of the withdrawal of thousands of US troops from Germany underlines the urgency of a pan-European defence strategyAs Donald Trump’s second term has become overshadowed by plunging poll ratings and an illegal, ill-advised war in the Middle East, European governments have regularly been singled out to bear the brunt of the US president’s growing frustration. Sir Keir Starmer’s refusal to militarily back the attack on Iran led to unfavourable comparisons to both Winston Churchill and King Charles. “Unfriendly” Spain has been threatened with a trade embargo for similar reasons. Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, previously seen as a key political ally, has also been on the receiving end. “I’m shocked by her,” Mr Trump said last month. “I thought she had courage. I was wrong.”Currently it is Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who finds himself in Washington’s crosshairs. In the wake of Mr Merz’s accurate observation that the US has no convincing strategy on Iran, the Pentagon has announced the future withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from bases in Germany. Vital long-range weapons are also to be withheld as American military stockpiles are depleted by events in the Middle East. For good measure, Mr Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on European car manufacturers to 25% – a measure that would hit Germany hardest.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
European defence spending rose 14% in 2025 to €739 billion — the steepest increase since the 1950s and double the 2015 amount. Germany invested €97 billion (24% increase), overtaking the UK as Europe's largest defence investor and becoming the world's fourth-largest behind the US, China and Russia. Many NATO members are moving toward the new 5% GDP spending target set for 2035.
