[class3shock]

You do but when it comes to certain critical areas that require very large investments in R&D to get going (space launch, 5th/6th gen fighters, nuclear deterrents, etc.) there is a significant lack of home grown capacity/capability. That's more what I was referring to in the above, you guys have plenty of comparable stuff in many areas.

Let me tell you, you folks weren't the only ones caught off guard by the current American political leadership. I think Europe is still betting this is more theater than anything and things will move back towards baseline in the long run, which I think is a fair bet, but I do wish they would hedge that bet a bit more than they are currently.

[tim333]

I guess you need gear which is adequate for the enemies you face which in Europe is basically Russia. It's sort of ok - the UK and France have nukes and we seem to be getting by without the 5th gen fighters. We could probably do with a local substitute for Patriot missiles.

I think the EU should effectively form a military alliance with Ukraine who are the main force against Russia at the moment and crank things up to actually win.