Europe faces an approximately €956 billion challenge replacing US military support.
According to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), replacing American military support in Europe could cost approximately €956 billion and take 25 years.
What do you need to know?
- According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) report, replacing American military capability in Europe could cost as much as £820 billion.
- This process would take about 25 years, presenting Europe with a significant logistical and financial challenge.
- The most considerable costs would include purchasing 400 tactical aircraft, 20 destroyers, and 24 long-range ground-to-air missile systems.
The IISS report indicates that a potential withdrawal of the USA from Europe would expose NATO members to a serious threat from Russia. Replacing American equipment and personnel with equivalent resources would cost approximately €956 billion and could take up to 25 years.
According to the analysis, these expenses would include one-time purchases ranging from approximately €216 to €328 billion and additional maintenance and personnel upkeep costs.
Europe can't afford self-sufficiency. The enormous costs of replacing the USA
Europe would also need to fill key positions, such as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.
Meanwhile, despite a rise in orders in the ground forces sector, other areas, including the navy and aviation, are witnessing minimal investment. The "buy European products" trend is gaining popularity, but it is still insufficient to completely replace American support.
The portal Politico emphasises that Ursula von der Leyen's vision of "buying European products" is unlikely to materialise soon. The IISS analysis revealed that 52 percent of the value of tenders conducted between February 2022 and September 2024 was awarded to European suppliers, while American producers received 34 percent.
