The Guardian view on defending Europe in a new era: collaboration is the key
The recent abandonment of plans for a Franco-German fighter jet sent a disastrous signal. Strategic autonomy will be jointly achieved or not at all
TL;DR
- Europe needs to fast-track strategic independence due to a volatile world and a potentially unreliable US ally.
- A joint Franco-German fighter jet project (Future Combat Air System) was abandoned due to disagreements over technology transfer and leadership.
- The failure of the project highlights a lack of coordination and cooperation between national defence industries.
- Spain's Defence Minister criticized the prioritization of industry interests over European security.
- Europe faces risks of continued technological reliance on the US, as seen with the F35 fighter jet and reported US pressure on Italy over AI air defence.
- New EU coordination structures are emerging, including the European Defence Industrial Strategy and the Security Action for Europe mechanism.
- Greater pan-European funding and grants tied to joint development are needed to alleviate national budget pressures.
- Complementary multilateral defence mechanisms can augment Europe's ability to meet its defence needs.