How Europe Still Relies on the US for Defense

Europeans are scrambling to increase self-reliance, but higher spending has actually deepened the continent’s dependence on U.S. technology and weapons.

A Polish pilot prepares to fly an F-35 Lightning II fighter jet dubbed a "Husarz," at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Ark., on Jan. 31, 2025. Courtesy of Polish Ministry of Defense/Flickr

Analysis

European leaders are scrambling to increase their self-reliance in defense but remain highly dependent on U.S.-made weapons systems.