Amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing concerns about transatlantic security, European nations are reassessing their defense capabilities and strategic independence. A recent assessment by French General Michel Yakovleff challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that Europe already possesses sufficient military resources for its defense, but lacks the unified mindset to effectively utilize them. This analysis comes as the European union moves forward with the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP), a key initiative aimed at bolstering the continent’s defense industry and reducing reliance on external partners. The push for greater European self-reliance reflects a changing geopolitical landscape and questions about the long-term commitment of the United States to European security.
PARIS – European nations currently possess the military capacity to defend against potential Russian aggression, but a lack of confidence and internal divisions pose a greater challenge than a shortage of weaponry, according to French General Michel Yakovleff.
“Europe Isn’t Weak, It Just Doesn’t Realize It”
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As geopolitical uncertainty rises with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, questions about European defense capabilities are gaining renewed attention. Former Deputy Chief of Staff of NATO, French General Michel Yakovleff, sparked debate last week with his assessment that Europe already has the resources needed for its own defense – and potentially more than it acknowledges. “Without the Americans, we won’t fight like the Americans. But to defend our territory and our families? We have enough,” he stated in an interview with LCI television.
Yakovleff highlighted Europe’s robust industrial base, pointing out that European countries collectively possess more frigates than the United States. He also asserted, based on his experience, that they have roughly twice as many tanks, artillery systems, and combat aircraft as Washington.
The Mental Hurdle: Unity and Self-Belief
According to Yakovleff, Europe’s existing military hardware is sufficient to deter Russia. The primary obstacle, he argues, is a lack of unity and a failure to recognize its own strength.
This challenge is compounded by a shifting dynamic in transatlantic relations, with the United States appearing less reliable as an ally, as noted in a recent Politico analysis. Consequently, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are increasingly focused on aligning their defense strategies more closely than in the past.
To effectively confront a potential Russian attack, Europe must act in unison and embrace responsibility for its own security – a role it has largely avoided for decades.
The EDIP: A First Step Towards European Defense Integration
The European Union recently approved the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), marking a significant step towards a more coordinated defense policy. The program allocates a budget of €1.5 billion to support joint procurement, co-financing of production, strengthening supply chains, and bolstering European industrial sovereignty.
European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, emphasized that the EDIP will also facilitate investment in Ukraine’s defense industry and integrate it further into the European technological and industrial base.
Munition Production: A Critical Weakness
While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently claimed the West has “broken” Russia’s lead in ammunition production, analysis from Euractiv suggests Russia maintains a significant advantage. Moscow’s transition to a war economy has enabled it to produce munitions at a rate that the West, without substantial reforms, cannot match.
Euractiv reports that Russia produced in a matter of months what NATO member states manufactured in an entire year. Although Europe is beginning to close the gap, its defense output remains slow.
“Money is no longer the obstacle, time is,” the report states. Countries must translate political decisions – increased budgets, support for Ukraine, and acknowledgement of vulnerabilities – into tangible production of munitions, fighter jets, drones, air defense systems, and robust industrial capacity capable of sustaining a prolonged conflict.
Three Key Areas for EDIP Success
Experts identify three crucial changes Europe must implement for the new program to succeed, changes it has avoided for decades:
- Joint procurement to lower costs and eliminate duplication,
- Prioritizing speed over perfection to ensure production responds to wartime needs,
- Providing long-term predictability for the defense industry to encourage investment in expanded capacity.
If these conditions are met, the European defense industry could transform from a fragmented system into a unified force – the kind of strength envisioned by General Yakovleff. The development underscores the growing need for Europe to take a more proactive role in its own defense, particularly as global security dynamics shift.
