EU faces security challenges amid depleted US weapons stocks, defence chief warns

The European Union risks facing a structural problem in defence due to its reliance on US arms supplies, European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius has stated.

In an interview with Kathimerini, Kubilius said Europe has historically sourced around 40% of its arsenal from the United States, Caliber.Az reports.

However, he said the US itself is now dealing with depleted weapons stockpiles.

According to him, in the coming years, American industry will focus on replenishing its own reserves, while Europe will need to find ways to expand its domestic production capacity.

Kubilius stressed that Europe’s defence industry is not yet able to adapt quickly to rising demand.

“Financial flows are growing faster than industry can increase weapons output,” he added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov