Defence Committee witnesses highlight key challenges facing Europe and the UK’s leadership role.
In testimony before the Defence Committee on 28 January 2025, experts warned of serious gaps in Europe’s defence capabilities, urging the UK to play a more prominent leadership role.
The hearing highlighted weaknesses in logistics, underinvestment in infrastructure, and overreliance on US military assets as key vulnerabilities that could leave Europe exposed.
“The issue, for a number of years, is not just what we refer to as the peace dividend,” said Ed Arnold, Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), “but also the fact that a lot of European nations were spending on the wrong type of equipment for the wrong type of operations.”
Arnold warned that Europe remains “wholly reliant on the US” for key military capabilities like air-to-air refuelling, intelligence, and logistics—assets that could be diverted to the Indo-Pacific in the future. “If you pull the US enablers in terms of logistics away, the Europeans are really going to struggle.” He highlighted mobility challenges, noting that during the Ukraine crisis, “The US could move equipment from mainland US into Europe and Ukraine more quickly than the French could get equipment into Ukraine.”
Gaps in European Defence
The experts identified several critical capability gaps, including:
- Military mobility: Europe’s ability to move troops and equipment eastward is hampered by inadequate infrastructure. As Armida van Rij, Head of the Europe Programme at Chatham House, explained, “Germany has not invested in infrastructure in ages, which means that there are too many bridges that cannot support tanks riding over them.”
- Ammunition shortages: Europe has struggled to maintain sufficient stockpiles. Van Rij noted that although the EU is making efforts to ramp up production, it missed its initial ammunition targets for Ukraine.
- Air and missile defence: The lack of integrated and well-resourced air defence systems remains a vulnerability across the continent.
Strategic Leadership and Nuclear Deterrence
The discussion also focused on the UK’s unique contributions, particularly its leadership within NATO and its nuclear deterrent. Arnold stressed that the UK’s nuclear forces, which are assigned to NATO, provide critical assurance to its allies but are often underappreciated.
“The UK should probably just start every meeting that it is at by explaining [this contribution],” he suggested, highlighting that nearly 40% of the UK’s defence budget is allocated to its nuclear enterprise.
Van Rij agreed but warned that continued investment is crucial. “The nuclear deterrent has to be maintained and supported so it can actually be a deterrent,” she said.
Focus on the High North
Both experts argued that the UK should concentrate its efforts on Arctic and High North operations, where it could provide significant value. “Operating in the Arctic, the environment will kill you before you see the enemy,” said Arnold, underscoring the challenges unique to the region. He described the High North as a natural area of focus for the UK, particularly given its leadership role in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a key complement to NATO operations.
UK-EU Collaboration
With the US gradually shifting its strategic priorities, both witnesses emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between the UK and the EU, particularly in defence industrial development. Van Rij argued that a UK-EU security pact should prioritise industrial cooperation over other areas. “For me, the most essential piece is defence industrial cooperation between the UK and the EU. Anything else, in my view, is a nice-to-have.”
Arnold shared her perspective but expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of certain EU mechanisms. “I’m sceptical of the value the UK could get out of a lot of those PESCO projects,” he said, referring to the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation initiative.
He suggested that the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) offers more practical opportunities for joint development.
I agree with everything that has been said in the article. My concern is that with these discussions it always based around the Strategic Initiatives. Yes they are important! However can we start being more specific about the Capabilities, Kit and Personnel we need to Deliver aligned to those Initiatives. This will then highlight the gaps that need to be filled with Specifics and associated costs. Then we have real Choices & Decisions to make not Hypothetical ones. To which Governments & Individuals can be held accountable against. The more we talk about Initiatives the more Hot Air!! we give… Read more »
Agree. UK should push for the EU to replace the US in Europe, as that is what we have.
The UKs nuclear deterrent is depending on Trump. Is it reliable?
EU, Ukraine & UK should form common procurement projects, so we have one tank, one ivf and so on. ITAR-free & free of foreign IP 100%, made in EU, UK and Ukraine.
As we have a boat at sea 24/7 loaded with missiles and IF they were ever needed to be fired I don’t think we will be reliant on anybody because it will be far to late to worry about that!
As we have a boat at sea 24/7 with our missiles we are not reliant on anybody to fire them! IF it came to it then it will be far too late to worry about anything anyway!
Is the EU anymore trustworthy than the US? Look at the way the political situation is changing over there.
Good luck on getting ONE type of AFV EU wide that is really not going to happen,who is going to decide which one,cost and who’s going to make it and how many each military would have to take?
Re EU being trustworthy.. common enemy Russia, US more and more concerned with China. EU may not be trustworthy, but they are essential.
Really? Because if you ask Orban or the Slovaks, they can’t even see to agree on that.
Something is happening. The first Trump election was a wake up call. The second is the test of relevance of the EU. If EU fails now, it will simply disappear.
It’s an action replay of 1940; aftershocks of the WW2 earthquake and the Cold war. Meloni is a better looking and more moderate feminist successor to Mussolini – and a role model for Marine Le Pen. Poland is rearming and Tusk is shifting the country away from right wing Catholicism. The UK and France will come together to help resist the spread of the right and to keep the US onside – France will play the Statue of Liberty revolution card. Donald Trump sees Winston Churchill as a role model so the UK will play the plucky island fighting the… Read more »
France is trying to become the figurehead of Europe, they do not want a strategic competitor in the UK or Germany to share power with.
How is our nuclear deterrent dependent on Trump? Are you talking about Trident missile servicing?
I have been voicing my concerns about our overreliance on the US, a lot over the past 2 years! The US is losing influence and TRUMP is a danger! Promising equipment to Ukraine and it not showing up… Blocking the use of long range missiles due to not wanting to upset the russians Many other issues And the outrage.. is being ignored by politicians but felt on the frontline in Ukraine I think we aka Britain needs to concentrate on European Military projects\equipment, even Asian’s ones, Remove any US parts to prevent the US from blocking us We need to… Read more »
One thing that might be useful. If the nuclear deterrent and conventional forces were under separate budgets so that it’s more obvious how underfunded our conventional forces are.
“Bang on”, my friend.
Don’t really think that’s what’s required, approx 40% of said MOD budget goes on all things Nuclear including AWE. What’s need is a MOD budget that is properly funded by HMT. Whatever that % of GDP is, it needs to be spent if we are serious about getting our AF back to a level where we all believe they should be.
Yes there are many severe issues that need resolving, and it will take time, but the first step is some serious commitment from HMG, something which doesn’t really appear forthcoming at the moment.
Agree with this article. With the US acting the way it is we need to disentangle ourselves from them as much as possible – and by ‘we’ I mean Europe as well rather than just the UK. There is no earthly reason why Europe should need American help. Make everyone aware our nukes have European targets and don’t threaten China – though I think at some stage ‘we’ are going to have to increase the independence of our deterrent and also increase the numbers of missiles. Possibly a few that aren’t carried in subs? Realistically we have enough in operational… Read more »
If Trident benefits all of European NATO, should European NATO not contribute to it’s funding?
Our politicians grandstand talking of leadership, while our conventional capabilities wither and vanish while our vast budget goes on the DNE.
Relying on a last resort is not leadership.
Maybe Healey, Reeves, Starmer will be along shortly to explain.
You will find me there. I think it makes sense, for France and UK to approach this topic jointly and wisely. Funny how our 2 nations are having almost the same issues and same starting point…
If Europe are waiting for Starmer and Co. to lead God help them. We can’t even look after ourselves. Now, apparently Reeves is considering extending death duties to the familes of serving forces personnel if they are killed in service. I thought the Tories were poor but this crowd are dangerous.
The UK is no longer a global or a European power. It lacks the resources and the will to become one again. Europe is a dying continent and anyone who thinks that the EU is the solution should buy that bridge in Brooklyn. Sic transit gloria mundi.
Team AMERICA!!! Is back.
F**NY,
It constantly amazes me how you waste time in your life by posting here.
At least Great Britain lasted longer on the world stage as a power than the US will when China takes over.
Maybe Europe should do a deal with them and watch as you wither?
Yet here you are still, posting your screaming insecurity based on whatever ‘news ‘ you found on X., most likely provided by China, or Russia , or Iran. You lack the will or resources to counter that. We’ll see very soon how tha US will lose its influence around the world as it pointlessly attacks allies and as Trump is intimidated by Putin and Xi and backs down like the blustering coward he is .
Posse, clarify who is blustering coward. You refer to Putties or Xi or Trump??
Trump.
Comments don’t track reality. He is the only president in recent history to put tariffs on China, and he’s done it twice.
Far cry from “backing down”
It is America that is the dying Fascist shithole and we will be back in the EU soon. It is the future of good on Earth.
The EU is approaching a demographic/economic flat spin. I really don’t see how Europe maintains any outsized role in the future of the planet. Not enough people and it’s suicidal in the name of ‘green’ while China is building coal fired power plants.
Daniel, it seems that you are just counting military manpower and platforms to come to your extraordinary conclusion that Britain is neither a global nor regional power.
Wow, who knew it was easier to send tanks via ship than drive them across Europe. Quick call the Daily Mail.
Its revelation like this that have me questioning the need for the defence select committee.
Also stating that the UK spends 40% of its budget on the nuclear endeavour would mean that we spend £720 billion on trident renewal which is total nonsense.
USA supply chain is by air (747) as shown in other articles here, and neither tanks nor F-16s have been supplied, rather European countries have supplied Ch2, AMX-10, Leo1 and Leo2.
The main supply contribution from USA by ship has been LNG to allow the RF pipelines to be closed and keep Germany warm this winter.
Whilst Trident renewal, Dreadnought class design and build are notable cost increases, the operating costs of CASD must also be significant taking the diverse sites, equipment and personnel into account.
Jim, this committee expose shortcomings in the MoD and the Press and the Public and the Opposition can pick it up.
BTW, surely armour can go on rail flats on the Channel Tunnel then by HET.
An emerging view is that a ‘new world order’ is coming into being, driven by the rise of China and the decline of Europe and the US. Nothing would suit the axis autocratic regimes more than to split the west by driving a wedge between the US and Europe. Lots of debate about whether the UK is a ‘global player’. Usually this in the context of military muscle. By virtue of our history, geography and Brexit the UK has picked up a pivotal role ( with France?) – the responsibility of guaranteeing the integrity of transatlantic western culture….when we can… Read more »
The growth mindset of CCP has lead to widespread speculation in property so that very few have any disposable income having 70% of wealth on property. That property is a bubble based on throwing up concrete shells (not inhabitable) on land leased from local government funded by banks. Mortgages start with buying off plan so cost before anything is built. Because there are 100,000s overbuilt and unoccupied many builders have just stopped leaving owners in debt with no asset. It’s an absolute nonsense and partly explains the CCP focus on an Export economy. Local demand is dead. Given that the… Read more »
It doesn’t take an expert to state the obvious all these reports but Europe this includes the uk does nothing about it
It’s all irrelevant given that we have had a succession of governments with no interest in our safety, who would rather send money abroad than defend the nation.
BOOM
The Peace Dividend delusion has allowed politicians to safeguard their electoral prospects by shifting Defence spending to social provision and even war in Europe hasn’t enabled them to pivot back to Defence, the first responsibility of the nation state. When the UK Chief of Defence Staff said “we are in the pre-war phase and we will have to use conscription”, he meant pay now or pay much more blood and treasure later. 2.3% UK GDP Defence spending is inadequate and even 2.75% by 2030 as per Strategic Defence Review will not make good 25 years neglect. It’s essential for all… Read more »
No shit Sherlock. 😁
Make peace you idiots.
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