Concluding the Atreju rally, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need for Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities, referencing potential shifts in U.S. security strategies under Donald Trump. Meloni argued that Europe must organize its own defense, asserting that outsourcing security to the U.S. came with a cost. Government allies also used the event to present a united front, while other international and domestic figures were in attendance. The ECR group also pushed for a “Giorgia” majority in the European Parliament.
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Exclusive: US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say. Well, this is a bombshell, isn’t it? The news that the US is aiming for a 2027 deadline for Europe to take the lead in NATO defense. It’s the kind of shift that makes you want to immediately check your investments, maybe even consider putting more into European defense companies. The implications are huge, potentially reshaping the global power balance.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the US is pulling out entirely. Closing and withdrawing from all US military bases throughout Europe? No, that’s likely not on the table. But the discussions, reportedly happening between Pentagon officials and European delegates, signal a significant change in the US’s approach to its role in European security.… Continue reading
In Brussels on December 3rd, five NATO allies announced new purchases of U.S. defense materiel for Kyiv under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), including two joint packages totaling $1 billion, co-financed by Germany, Norway, and Poland, as well as Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. Canada and the U.K. also pledged financial support. These commitments were made as discussions with Russia regarding a U.S.-Ukraine peace plan yielded no breakthrough and as Putin has demonstrated unwillingness to negotiate, prompting the allied nations to increase pressure on Russia. The meeting will also include talks with Ukrainian officials, who are expected to brief European national security advisors on the status of peace talks.
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Sweden wants long-range weapon systems able to strike inside Russia, and honestly, it makes perfect sense. Given the current geopolitical climate and the ever-present shadow of potential conflict, the desire to possess the means to defend oneself, and deter aggression, is a natural instinct. It’s not just about offense; it’s about having the capability to project strength and protect national interests, which is a fundamental aspect of any sovereign nation’s security strategy.
Sweden wants long-range weapon systems able to strike inside Russia, and it seems this is a sentiment shared by many across Europe. We’re seeing a clear recognition that relying solely on others, even allies, may not always be sufficient.… Continue reading
Ukraine has developed two long-range cruise missiles since the start of the war, rivaling the capabilities of Europe’s only comparable system, the French MdCN, which currently exists only in a naval version. The Ukrainian RK-360L, with a range of 1,000 kilometers and a 260-kilogram warhead, is operationally similar to the MdCN but offers the practical advantage of ground-based launch from mobile platforms. While the French MdCN relies on technology derived from the SCALP system, the Ukrainian Neptune’s targeting precision has been proven in combat, and Defense Express notes that the Ukrainian missile is likely cheaper and faster to manufacture. Ukraine has also developed the FP-5 Flamingo and a domestically produced ballistic missile, expanding its offensive capabilities.
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Under German law, contracts exceeding €25 million require parliamentary approval, revealing a preference for European industry in major defense procurements. While the United States has secured contracts, such as those for Boeing’s P-8A torpedoes and Raytheon’s Patriot missiles, the total value of U.S.-led buys is only around €6.8 billion, approximately 8% of the total plan. Germany, historically a major buyer of U.S. defense goods, is now shifting its focus toward European suppliers.
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Germany is set to become Europe’s largest military, spurred by concerns of a new Trump presidency and the war in Ukraine. The nation plans to change its constitution and allocate 3.5% of its GDP to defense spending. This shift includes a $117 billion special fund, suspending the debt brake to facilitate nearly $400 billion in defense spending through 2029, without impacting core budgets. While defense companies experience increased sales, rebuilding a culture of military service faces challenges, with the Bundeswehr working to improve its public image and attract new recruits.
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The Netherlands has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at approximately €175 million. A key component of this package is 100 drone-detecting radars, slated for delivery by the end of the year, which will provide critical information to air defense systems. Furthermore, the package includes 20 Ermine CASEVAC vehicles for medical evacuations, alongside an additional €80 million for the international drone coalition. This latest aid comes in addition to a previously announced €400 million allocated for maritime security support, and recent contracts with Ukrainian manufacturers for 600,000 drones worth €500 million.
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Ukraine’s domestically produced Sapsan ballistic missile, successfully completing combat testing, is entering mass production. This development significantly bolsters Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid dwindling Western aid and ongoing Russian attacks. The missile, possessing a substantial warhead, prioritizes strike power over range, and its production represents a major European advancement in ballistic missile technology since the Cold War. While concerns exist regarding potential Russian escalation, the ongoing Russian use of ballistic missiles against civilian targets diminishes such concerns.
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Europe can sustain Ukraine’s war effort without the US, a German general reportedly suggests, and this idea sparks considerable debate. The notion that Europe could independently manage this monumental task isn’t merely a matter of providing weapons; it encompasses the complex logistical network, intelligence sharing, and technological support that sustains a modern war effort.
The argument rests on the premise that Europe, collectively, possesses the resources to replace US aid. The significant financial contributions from various European nations, surpassing the US in total aid, seemingly bolster this claim. However, simply totaling monetary contributions overlooks the crucial non-monetary contributions from the United States.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood