EU report: Europe needs more agile forces and a change in focus in the face of Russian aggression
The EU’s belief in a need for HALE UAVs may need to be tempered following the cautionary tale of Germany's expansive failure, the Eurohawk. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities plan outlines changes in defence posture based on political guidance provided by the Strategic Compass, as well as lessons observed from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
EU Ministers of Defence have signed off on the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities (CDP) which highlights 22 priorities and reflects the military realities observed in Ukraine, supports EU defence objectives and is designed to lead to concrete projects.
Aside from the usual focus on the need for platforms ranging from MBTs to fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, the report highlights the need for full spectrum cyber defence operations capabilities and electromagnetic spectrum operations dominance.
In its overview of the report, the EU states ‘it reflects the changes in the EU’s strategic environment, political guidance provided by the Strategic Compass [the union's
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Defence Notes
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
