Europe may face $300 billion defense bill if U.S. steps back

Defense Express reported the information.

If the U.S. chooses to completely step back from its role in European security, European nations will need to invest an extra $1 trillion to develop the required military capabilities.

As explained in its report, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) states that out of the $1 trillion, about one-third, or at least $344 billion, will be spent directly on weapons. This includes a massive list of equipment, such as at least 400 fighter jets and 600 main battle tanks, excluding other arms.

IISS estimates that over 70% of Europe’s arms budget will go to aviation and naval forces, which is paradoxical given the mainly land-based conflict with Russia. However, this reflects the cost structure rather than the operational focus.

The analysts outline an enormous need for Europe’s ground forces: over 600 main battle tanks, 800 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, 900 heavy tracked APCs, 400 wheeled armored vehicles, and 4,200 protected armored cars.

The list includes 100 wheeled and 100 tracked self-propelled howitzers, 100 MLRS, 400 tactical ballistic missile systems, plus 110 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, 24 Patriot or SAMP/T missile batteries, three THAAD or Aegis Ashore systems, and 20 ground launchers for long-range cruise missiles.

Regarding combat aviation, IISS states Europe needs 400 fighter jets, 200 attack helicopters, 15 anti-submarine aircraft, 35 helicopters of the same class, 6 AWACS planes, 8 electronic intelligence planes, 50 long-range drones, and 250 transport helicopters.

In addition, 3,000 long-range air-launched cruise missiles, 400 anti-radar missiles, 200 air-launched anti-ship missiles, 1,200 short-range air-to-air missiles, and 2,500 medium-range air-to-air missiles will need to be purchased.

The largest list covers the additional naval forces Europe would need if the U.S. fully withdrew from Old World security: 2 aircraft carriers, 2 amphibious assault ships, 20 destroyers, 6 frigates, 10 multipurpose nuclear submarines, plus 2,700 long-range and 700 medium-range naval surface-to-air missiles, 1,200 sea-launched cruise missiles, 100 SM-3 interceptors, and 250 heavy torpedoes.

Defense Express concludes that the biggest challenge for European governments may not be approving the massive weapons purchases, but rather finding enough people to both produce this equipment and operate it in a potential conflict with Russia.