Germany and the UK are responding to the growing threat from Russia. General Carsten Breuer, head of Germany’s Bundeswehr, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the UK’s chief of defense, have made a strong case for stronger military readiness. They recently shared their views in a letter published in The Guardian and Welt.
They stress that Europe must face uncomfortable truths about its safety. Russia’s military focus has shifted westward, and it continues to build its forces while learning from its actions in Ukraine. This new military stance poses a serious risk to NATO countries.
Breuer and Knighton warn that if Europe appears weak or divided, it might encourage Russia to expand its aggression beyond Ukraine. They argue that military readiness requires a robust defense industry, highlighting efforts like new munitions factories in the UK and the deployment of a German combat brigade in Eastern Europe. Germany is significantly increasing its defense budget, moving away from decades of military restraint prompted by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Their letter emphasizes that rearmament is not about promoting conflict; rather, it’s a necessary step to protect peace. Strength can deter aggression, while weakness might invite it. They advocate for a “whole-of-society” approach to defense, implying that everyone has a role to play. This includes infrastructure resilience, research and development in technology, and national preparedness.
When Europe unites, it becomes a formidable force. This message is timely, especially following discussions at the Munich Security Conference, where leaders addressed defense strategies amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In recent years, Europe’s military spending has risen sharply. According to NATO, European allies increased defense budgets by an average of 5.8% in 2022, driven in large part by concerns over Russia’s actions. Public sentiment also shows a shift; many citizens now support increased defense spending, recognizing the need for robust security measures.
As Breuer and Knighton emphasized, addressing these challenges requires collaboration across all sectors of society. This unified front is vital in facing current and future threats effectively.
For an in-depth look at European defense strategy, consult NATO’s official report on defense spending here.
