The Shape of European Security, Minus the U.S.

Jean-Pierre Maulny, the deputy director of the Institut des Relations Internationales et Stratégiques, a think tank, pointed up June 11 to the AAPA  the need for European allies to replace key U.S. military capabilities – known as “enablers” – as Washington withdraws from the European theatre. 

Europe has a problem with “enablers,” he said, referring to the lack of European-built space satellites, deep-strike weapons, defence against air and missile attacks, spy planes, intelligence gathering, air-to-air refuelling, and strategic air transport.

Europe – including the 27 EU member states, the UK and Norway – has much to do and should act collectively, he said. There are five to 10 years for European allies to build up their defence industrial and technology base.

European allies should share technology in pursuit of a “strategic solidarity” rather than  the “best athlete” approach, he said; however, tMinus the US, Wat Shole European Security Look Like?he French DGA arms procurement office backs the latter, which secures Dassault Aviation’s leading position in building European fighter jets.