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Putin overtakes Europe: Danger from Russia's armaments production!
A current analysis warns of Russia's superiority in the Ukraine conflict and the challenges for Europe.
Putin overtakes Europe: Danger from Russia's armaments production!
The British thinking factory Rusi warns in a current analysis of the dangers that arise from Russia's successful armaments production during the Ukraine War. According to her report, Russia has increased its armaments production much more successfully than Europe, which is a strategic threat to NATO and its conventional deterrence. These findings illustrate that Europe lags considerably in terms of armaments production.
The reasons for the residues in Europe are diverse. A lack of coordination within the EU and NATO, too little focus on mass production instead of highly developed weapon systems, bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate access to test infrastructure are just a few of the factors that hinder European defense efforts. In the past three years, Europe has not managed to increase the production of fundamental ammunition or to fill up stocks of precision weapons. In addition, Great Britain could not replace portable weapons that were handed over to Ukraine in 2022.
armaments production and challenges
A central point that the rusi analysis emphasizes is the production of artillery ammunition, which is hindered by the lack of long-term willingness to invest in the governments. Regulations for durability of ammunition make it difficult to build larger stocks. This means that Ukraine, despite the advanced drone projects, reaches industrial borders. Therefore, the defense capacity of Ukraine is endangered in the long term without reliable western postponement capacities.
It is noteworthy that Russia exceeded NATO countries in armaments production between 2022 and 2024, although it has fewer economic skills compared to the western countries. Russia's focus is on the production of relatively simple weapons, which allows you to react faster and more efficiently. This development makes the need for reforms in the fragmented armaments industry more than clear.economic effects of defense investments
In addition to the military aspects, the economic dimension is also important. The European NATO countries invest around 72 billion euros in armor annually, which creates or secures 680,000 jobs. These figures are supported by a study by EY and Dekabank, which also demands an increase in defense spending to 3 percent of GDP. Such a step would cost or secure an additional 65 billion euros per year and 660,000 other jobs.
Even with a hypothetical ceasefire in Ukraine, an increase in defense spending and an expansion of the armaments sector in Europe are expected. There are positive spillover effects in areas such as research, development and technology. Every euro in defense generates about twice as high economic activity, which makes economic impulses clear.
The planned investments in armaments over the next six years are 72 billion euros per year and stimulate activities worth 157 billion euros. Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom have the highest employment effects, whereby Germany alone secures over 137,000 jobs. In order to close the security gap and reduce the dependency on the USA, additional annual expenditure of 65 billion euros is essential.
Overall, the current developments in the field of armaments production show both the military challenges and the economic opportunities that result from increased defense investments. The Rusi analysis and the results of the EY study illustrate the urgent need for action to strengthen European defense ability.