The new European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, has sounded the alarm, calling for faster armament in Europe. In a candid interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), Kubilius admitted that the continent is not adequately prepared for a potential attack. „To be honest, we are not sufficiently prepared for an eventual attack,” the politician stated. He emphasized the need to significantly increase the production of conventional weapons, citing the urgent requirement for European countries to bolster their defense capabilities.
Unfortunately, this is not a problem that can be solved overnight. It will take years for Europe to develop the capabilities required by NATO’s plans, Kubilius cautioned. The commissioner’s remarks come on the heels of warnings from German and other countries’ intelligence services, as well as NATO representatives, who predict that Russia will have the capability to launch an attack on EU states by 2030.
Russia’s military buildup has reached „unimaginable proportions,” despite sanctions imposed on the country. Experts claim that Russia is currently producing more tanks than it has deployed on the frontline, raising concerns about President Putin’s intentions. „We can only speculate,” Kubilius said, highlighting the need for European countries to prepare for a crisis situation, as warned by secret services.
The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the importance of conventional weapons, such as artillery and infantry fighting vehicles. „We need to significantly increase the production of conventional weapons, just like Ukraine,” Kubilius emphasized. Moreover, the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the crucial role of artillery, as well as the significance of long-range and precision weapons. Drones, in particular, have the potential to change the course of a war, Kubilius noted, stressing the need for European countries to rapidly increase the production of modern drones and electronic warfare equipment.
The State of European Defense
Currently, European countries are not meeting their defense spending commitments, with only a handful of NATO member states allocating the recommended 2% of their GDP to defense. Poland, for instance, has been increasing its defense spending, with a budget of 2.15% of GDP in 2022, while Germany has pledged to reach the 2% target by 2024. However, these efforts are insufficient to bridge the gap in Europe’s defense capabilities.
Russia’s Military Buildup
Russia’s military expenditure has been steadily increasing, with a budget of approximately 3.1% of GDP in 2022. The country has been investing heavily in modernizing its military equipment, including the development of hypersonic missiles, advanced fighter jets, and S-400 air defense systems.
A Call to Action
In light of these developments, Kubilius’ warning serves as a stark reminder of the need for European countries to prioritize their defense capabilities. It is essential for the European Union to develop a comprehensive defense strategy, increase defense spending, and invest in modern military equipment to counter potential threats. The commissioner’s appeal should be heeded, and European countries must take immediate action to bolster their defense capabilities and ensure the safety and security of their citizens.
Sources:
* Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND)
* NATO
* European Commission
* German Ministry of Defense
* Polish Ministry of Defense
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