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3h ago

Europe Accelerates Rearmament as U.S. Presses Burden Shift and Generals Warn of War Risks

Leaders seek to cut reliance on U.S. enablers by boosting capabilities through industrial consolidation.

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A U.S. M109 Paladin howitzer drives off the vessel Liberty Peace during offloading operations at the port of Koper, Slovenia on December 28, 2024. This Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement (RSOM) operation in the port of Koper is bringing in 1-3ID, the next Regionally Aligned Force (RAF), into the European Theater. These forces will be then transported by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to their forward operating sites across NATO where they will conduct interoperability training with Allies and partners. The intent of these RAFs is to assure our allies and deter all adversaries.

Overview

  • Breaking Defense reports that the White House is intensifying pressure on European allies, with a blunt National Security Strategy and a pivot in U.S. focus that critics say signals a reduced security guarantee for Europe.
  • Time notes that all 32 NATO members are projected to meet the 2% of GDP defense benchmark in 2025, with an aspiration to reach 5% by 2035, though gaps in strategic airlift and intelligence still constrain autonomy.
  • Senior officials are urging whole‑of‑society readiness, with the MI6 chief describing a space "between peace and war" and France’s Gen. Fabien Mandon warning of potential sacrifices, drawing sharp political backlash.
  • Breaking Defense says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dropped pursuit of NATO membership in favor of Western security guarantees, a consequential shift reported as part of U.S. pressure on Kyiv.
  • Industrial ties are deepening despite political strains, including Lockheed Martin–Rheinmetall joint programs and a new Airbus–Leonardo–Thales space venture positioned to scale Europe’s capabilities.