Josep Borrell, EU representative for foreign affairs and security policy, spoke of the weakness of European armies. According to him, Europe was not ready for a possible war. Armies were reduced, defense budgets were cut. Some countries, however, are already responding to the threat. Thus, Poland is ready to spend billions of dollars on the purchase of new tanks, howitzers and fighters.
Polish military expert Pawel Fleischer agrees with this assessment. According to him, Europe has not seen any threat for itself for many years. And so saved on defense.
Since the end of the Cold War, the countries of Western Europe have limited their arsenals. First of all, because of the disappearance of the main enemy – the Soviet Union. During missions in the Middle East – in Iraq, Afghanistan – heavy weapons were not required. Therefore, most of the armies of Western European countries acquired light weapons.
And in the countries of Eastern Europe, old Soviet equipment is still in service. And which is now being transferred to Ukraine. For example, Slovakia is ready to give away eleven MiG-29 fighters. Provided that its airspace will be guarded by the Czech Republic and Poland. By the way, the latter transferred modernized Soviet tanks to Ukraine. And Estonia, providing military assistance to the Ukrainians, has lost 40 percent of its defense potential.
Indeed, it is a problem that a gap has appeared in the defense capability of these countries. It will probably close within two or three years. And this is a certain risk. But now we are at a stage of conflict where we need to take drastic measures.
