Armed by America: how Europe’s militaries depend on the US – a visual analysis
Guardian5 days
Report: European Defense is 'Vulnerable'
Above: The 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron of the 3rd Warsaw Air Defense Missile Brigade demonstrated the Initial Operational Capability of their Patriot (Wisla) surface-to-air missile launchers, on Dec. 18, 2024, in Sochaczew, Poland. Image copyright: Wojtek Radwanski/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Europe narrative
Europe's push for defense independence represents a necessary response to America's unreliable security commitments. Trump's erratic policies and threats to allies demonstrate that European nations can no longer depend on Washington's protection. The continent must invest in its own defense industrial base to ensure sovereignty and security.
Pro-establishment narrative
European defense fragmentation and inefficiency justify continued reliance on proven American systems. U.S. weapons offer superior technology, economies of scale, and reliable support networks that fragmented European alternatives cannot match. Abandoning this partnership would weaken collective security and waste resources on inferior capabilities.
Metaculus Prediction
Editor's Note
This story currently has limited coverage. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our reporting as additional information becomes available.