Special Feature MT 4/2022 · 59 instrument to pursue joint procurement to fill the most urgent and critical gaps. Third, the document recommends to move forward towards an EU framework for joint defence procurement. Fourth, the authors suggest establishing more structured joint EU strategic defence programming and procurement. Fifth, a solid action plan is required to reinfore the capacity of Europe’s defence industry. Sixth, since the EDF supports the R&D programme for Europe’s defence, it should be able to respond to new and emerging needs. And seventh, the European Investment Bank must enhance its support for the European defence industry and joint procurement. Evaluation: No Duplications Between EU and NATO The EU and EDA call for an urgent closing of existing defence investment gaps, for developing a more efficient coordination among the different procurement programmes as well as for establishing a joint procurement task force. These are the right measures to solve the indisputable problems in Europe’s defence landscape. However, much more needs to be done. The consolidation of the European defence industry must also be pushed forward. This industry is still too much fragmented. One of the main reasons for this fragmentation is the fact that Europe’s nations have different national security interests, different defence requirements and Governments often consider national defence as a national matter. What is urgently needed is not only more money, more coordination and more consolidation but more trust – trust among the 27 EU member states. This must be developed from day to day in an honest mind-set and in a transparent cooperation for the benefit of all. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg supports the EU’s commitment to invest more in defence and enhance Europe’s defence posture, because it will also strengthen NATO. As long as EU intentions complement NATO’s plans, Stoltenberg is ready to support that. All political actors must therefore pay attention not to create any duplications. This would be a disaster and backfire on the EU’s reputation and credibility. Dr Theodor Benien for ILA Show Daily, a Mönch digital publication NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the Alliance’s support – within reason – for the EU’s defence initiatives during the recent World Economic Forum in Davos. Germany is and will continue to be a key player – politically, militarily, diplomatically and industrially – in cementing and sustaining the new emerging world order. (Photo: NATO) Air Domain: The development of the new Eurodrone (MALE RPAS) has been launched and is gaining in importance. Upgrading air-to-air refuelling capabilities and existing aircraft fleets, building a multi-layer air defence as well as developing counter drone-capabilities and weaponised drones are also among the top priorities. In addition, the modernization of anti-access/area denial systems and the fleet of multi-role combat aircraft in the EU is another area where EU member states plan to invest. Land Domain: The upgrade of main battle tanks and armoured fighting vehicles has become a matter of urgency in the EU due to the probability of a large-scale, high intensity warfare in Europe. The enhancement of land combat capabilities should therefore include combat support, a wide range of anti-tank and artillery systems with the capability of precision strike and counter-artillery. Maritime Domain: Strengthening of naval forces remains critical in the light of increasingly contested Black, Baltic and Mediterranean Seas as well the need to reinforce power projection, anti-access denial and coastal defence capabilities. This should include frigates, submarines and patrol corvettes to ensure maritime security. ISR capabilities and the protection of sea lines of communication will benefit from high-end inter-connected ships augmented by unmanned platforms for surface and underwater electronic warfare. Space (Connectivity, Surveillance, Protection): The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of satellite-based secure connectivity, including a highly resilient European ultra-secured connectivity programme including quantum encryption and space-based earth observation as critical enablers. Optimizing synergies with the EU’s space-based connectivity programme is one of the advantages of a closer cooperation. Cyber Defence: To counter the growing risk of cyber-attacks by state actors, the EU could launch projects to achieve a full-spectrum cyber defence capability. This includes capabilities for cyber situational awareness and information sharing, cyber resilient command and control for military operations, cyber exercises and training, etc. Military Mobility: The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of effective logistics including maintenance, sustainment and movement of forces, equipment and supplies. The Commission has therefore accelerated the implementation of the military mobility budget. Transport infrastructure also requires increased investments. The consultations with the member states on their dual-use transport infrastructure project pipelines and the oversubscription for co-funding demonstrate the need for a larger budget. Actions to Close Defence Investment Gaps The report does not only analyze the deficits but also presents proposals to close the existing defence gaps and to coordinate the joint procurement of defence equipment starting with replenishment as the most urgent step. As a first action, the EU calls for the establishment of a Defence Joint Procurement Task Force to coordinate urgent procurement needs. As a second action, the report suggests a short-term EU What more important example could there be of the need for collaboration, mutual understanding and a more effective way of doing things than the FCAS project? (Photo: Airbus) f
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