A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies highlights significant gaps in military preparedness among European armies, particularly concerning advancements in offensive drone technology resulting from the Ukraine War.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London has released its annual report, 'Military Balance 2026', emphasizing that European armies are inadequately prepared for the technological advancements in military equipment, especially regarding offensive drones. This inadequacy stems from the need to adapt to changes introduced during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine over the past four years. The report underlines the pressing requirement for European nations to fill these gaps to remain competitive and secure in the evolving warfare landscape.
According to the report, military spending across Europe reached a record high of $562.9 billion last year, reflecting a 12.6% annual increase, with Germany leading the way. It points out that the security strategy under the Trump administration has compelled several nations, both in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, to reassess their defense policies. The pressure from Washington has prompted NATO countries to commit to increasing their defense budgets to 5% of their GDP by 2035, further underscoring the urgency of addressing military spending and preparedness.
Furthermore, the IISS report indicates that global military expenditures increased by 2% worldwide, pointing to a broader trend of escalating defense budgets in response to geopolitical tensions. This rise in military investment, especially in Europe, signals a significant shift in defense priorities, as nations strive to enhance their capabilities in the face of emerging threats, particularly from adversaries employing advanced technologies such as drones.
