Military spending in Europe has surged since Russia’s war on Ukraine in 2022, reshaping defense priorities within the EU and NATO.
Colonel Hatem Karim Al-Falahi, a military expert, argues that Europe is at a historic turning point, facing what he describes as “a clear arms race among its states,” driven by growing security threats.
Al-Falahi highlighted that a key factor is the shift in U.S. policy. The American strategy for 2026 states that Washington is no longer willing to bear the economic burden of defending the international order.
The U.S. has asked its allies to raise military spending to as much as 5% of GDP, forcing European nations to rebuild their arsenals independently rather than relying on American support.
Direct Russian threats have added further pressure, prompting countries to reassess their defense policies.
Germany stands out as an example, having allocated a €100 billion fund to rebuild and rearm the Bundeswehr. German military spending this year reached about €50 billion, including €21 billion for modernizing soldiers’ equipment and uniforms, €4 billion for Puma armored vehicles, €1.5 billion for drones, as well as investments in Patriot air defense systems, satellite surveillance, and tanks.
Al-Falahi believes spending will continue to rise as modern warfare increasingly involves cyberattacks, electronic warfare, digital espionage, drones, and jamming, pushing nations to rebuild their armies in both size and capability.
Sources - Agencies
