Imports of US weapons have surged, yet Europe’s military capabilities remain insufficient, with notable gaps in tank numbers, air defence systems and R&D investment. According to a new report by Bruegel, the EU’s €800 billion rearmament plan may not be enough.

Despite recent efforts to boost European defence production, the bloc remains “highly vulnerable” and heavily reliant on the United States—particularly for major, high-end defence equipment—according to a new analysis by the Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel. 

Trade statistics show that the value of weapons imported to Europe increased from approximately €3.1 billion for the period 2019–2021 to €7.9 billion for 2022–2024 across the 27 member states, with the US leading this increase despite concerns over its capabilities. 

“Europe has the industrial production capacities to increase production of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles,” said Guntramm Wolff, Bruegel’s senior fellow, during the launch of the report ‘Fit for war by 2030?’ on Friday morning.* “What is more concerning is the more modern weapons systems, where we have limited capabilities,” he added.  

Bruegel and Kiel Institute for the World Economy researchers have detected that the reliance on the US for certain defence and security domains is very high, including hypersonic missiles, next generation jets, AI integrated systems and intelligence services. Read More