Biggest Defence Companies in Europe
Trump’s re-election is forcing Europe to take full responsibility for its own security for the first time since World War Two.
- That will require a step change in European production of artillery, tanks and ships.
- That in turn will require European Nato members to double defence spending to 3 or 4 per cent of GDP.
Russia is becoming increasily hostile towards Europe, and it must prepare to defend itself against Russia. But Europe is in no capacity to stand against Russia at its current military capacity:
Russia has nearly twice as many fast jets and naval vessels as Germany, France and the UK combined, and more than three times as many tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. It is producing roughly three times as many artillery shells per year as the entire EU at one tenth the cost per shell (and has received more in addition from North Korea than Ukraine has received from Europe).
What Europe must do?
Build up Europe’s defence capabilities within Nato even without US support.
These biggest defence companies will be in focus going forward as Europe increases its defence production.