Europe faces $1 trillion bill to replace U.S. military support
Replacing American military support in Europe could cost up to 1 trillion dollars and take 25 years, according to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
What you need to know
- According to the report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), replacing American military capability in Europe could cost as much as $1 trillion.
- This process would take about 25 years, presenting Europe with significant logistical and financial challenges.
- The largest costs would include the purchase of 400 tactical aircraft, 20 destroyers, and 24 long-range ground-to-air missile systems.
The IISS report indicates that a potential withdrawal of the USA from Europe would expose NATO members to a serious threat from Russia. Replacing American equipment and personnel with equivalent resources would cost about $1 trillion and could take up to 25 years.
According to the analysis, these expenses would include one-time purchases ranging from $226 to $344 billion and additional costs related to maintenance and personnel upkeep.
Europe can't afford self-sufficiency: The enormous costs of replacing the USA
Europe would also need to fill key positions, such as the supreme allied commander in Europe.
Meanwhile, despite a rise in orders in the ground forces sector, other areas, including the navy and aviation, are witnessing minimal investment. The trend of "buy European products" is gaining popularity but is still insufficient to completely replace American support.
The portal "Politico" emphasizes that the vision of "buying European products" promoted by Ursula von der Leyen is unlikely to materialize soon. The IISS analysis revealed that 52 percent of the value of tenders conducted between February 2022 and September 2024 was awarded to European suppliers, while American producers received 34 percent.
