58 · MT 4/2022 Special Feature Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Europe’s top leaders called on all EU member states to increase their defence expenditures, step up cooperation through joint projects, close shortfalls and meet capability objectives, boost innovation including through civil/military synergies and to strengthen Europe’s defence industry, including small and medium-seized companies (SMEs). This is the background to a new report published by the European Commission entitled Defence Investment Gaps, which has been compiled in cooperation with the European Defence Agency (EDA). The 14-page report, published on 18 May, identified three types of defence gaps and six areas to improve the defence capabilities of Europe’s armed forces. The document does not only contain a thorough analysis of the shortfalls and deficits, but also presents recommendations for concrete actions to close these gaps. Commenting on the new report, the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The European Union is stepping up its effort to build a stronger European defence industry. We need to spend more on defence and we need to do it in a coordinated way. We are proposing concrete measures to strengthen our defence capabilities and the military technological edge of our European industrial base, based on an analysis of the defence investment gaps. This action will ensure a more effective European contribution in NATO.” Her call was supported by the EU High Representative and Head of the (EDA), Josep Borrell: “Russia´s aggression against Ukraine has changed the security landscape in Europe. Many are increasing their defence spending, but it is crucial that Member States invest better together to prevent further fragmentation and address existing shortfalls. This is also what the Strategic Compass calls for. The European Defence Agency will continue to play a key role in supporting Member States in identifying gaps, promoting cooperation and fostering defence innovation.” Main Types of Defence Gaps Based on analysis of the current defence deficits in Europe (most of them are known for years), the EU Commission and EDA examine three major types of gaps: defence expenditure, defence industrial gaps, and defence capability gaps. Defence Expenditure: Due to Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine, the EU Member States had decided to increase their defence budgets by an additional €200 billion in the next few years. While these increases are essential, they come after years of substantial cuts and severe underinvestment. From 1999 to 2021, the EU’s combined defence spendings increased by 20% against 66% for the US, 292% for Russia and 592% for China. Defence Industrial Gaps: The gaps in defence identified in this report exist for many years. Since the demand from the nations is fragmented due to their different defence requirements, the defence industry is also fragmented along national borders. Dependencies exist also for defence equipment, however, Europe’s defence industry is not offering indigenous defence solutions. Capability Gaps: The EU’s Strategic Compass underlined the ambition to further develop “full spectrum forces that are agile and mobile, interoperable, technologically advanced, energy efficient and resilient”. It has also recalled the critical capability shortfalls indispensable to enable the Union to undertake the full range of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) tasks. In order to develop priority projects in defence, the European Defence Fund (EDF) is providing financial support for the development of strategic enablers and operational capabilities. Areas to improve Defence Capabilities Beyond these capability gaps, the Commission and the High Representative propose to work on six areas that will significantly contribute to enhance Europe’s defence capabilities in the face of growing threats: While the AH-64E v6 Apache is one of the few aircraft in service today that already possesses an open systems architecture, a primary modernization focus for Boeing is the rapid adoption of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). This will enable the integration and fielding of advanced capabilities, such as cutting-edge communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems, more quickly and affordably than ever before. The result will be the ability to zero out emerging operational gaps at the speed of relevance. In addition, there are many efforts like the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) engine being integrated into the Apache for enhanced power, range, efficiency and speed. Combined with the fact that the Apache will be upgraded and enhanced until the late 2040s under the US Army’s planned Apache Modernization Program, that’s how we’ll ensure the platform remains the world’s most advanced attack helicopter through 2050 and beyond. What other countries in Europe are interested in the Apache? Hostetter: The Apache is currently operated by three NATO nations; the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Greece. We’re currently engaged in Poland’s KRUK attack helicopter competition, with several other countries demonstrating high interest in the Apache. It’s also important to note that the Royal Netherlands Air Force is upgrading its 28 AH-64D Apaches to the most modernized configuration of the aircraft — the AH-64E v6. The Royal Netherlands Air Force has operated Apache helicopters for 24 years and the first delivery of the AH-64E v6 is targeted for late 2022, with all 28 expected to be delivered by early 2025. Germany will soon phase out its first Tiger attack helicopters, and the Apache could be a replacement option. Why would the Apache be a good fit for Germany from your point of view? Hostetter: For all the reasons listed above. The Apache is the preferred helicopter for the U.S. Army and 17 partner nations – and in today’s increasingly complex global security environment, providing operators with the very best in terms of performance, connectivity and interoperability with allies is more important than ever. In addition, the Apache offers interoperability with NATO nations specifically, and it’s an off-the-shelf solution immediately available for operations. Let me put it this way: the Apache is a proven game changer, modernized and available now. Interview conducted by André Forkert for ILA Show Daily, a Mönch digital publication Defence Investment Gaps in Europe During their high-level meeting in Versailles on 11 March, the 27 Heads of State and Government of the European Union (EU) agreed to “bolster European defence capabilities” as a political reaction to Germany’s decision to procure the F-35 carries a host of implications – some of which were revealed in the ILA Show Daily. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
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