European Rearmament Campaign Picking Up Speed

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to the "biggest sustained increase" in defense spending since the Cold War, outlining plans to boost the UK’s defense budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, up from 2.3% this year. The increase will be funded by cuts in international aid, signaling a shift in priorities as the UK navigates growing security threats, particularly from Russia.

Speaking in Parliament on February 25, Starmer emphasized the importance of European allies stepping up their defense contributions in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. "We must go further still," Starmer said, calling for the UK to aim for 3% defense spending by the end of the decade. European countries, including the UK, have significantly ramped up their defense budgets since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but many leaders agree that continued investment is crucial to counter the escalating threat from Moscow.

Starmer's comments come as he prepares to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on February 27 in Washington. Trump, who has been outspoken in criticizing European allies for not contributing enough to their own defense, has also made waves with his approach to the Ukraine conflict. Starmer's visit is seen as a key opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the UK’s relationship with the U.S. and to seek support for European security guarantees.

"I want this relationship to go from strength to strength," he said, reaffirming the importance of the UK's bilateral alliance with the U.S.

As part of the ongoing negotiations, Ukraine has called for Western security guarantees in any peace settlement to deter future Russian aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with Trump earlier in the week, suggested that European leaders could provide peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of those security guarantees.

In related news, Airbus Defence and Space, in collaboration with Naval Group, has secured a contract worth up to €480 million (approximately US$504 million) to enhance the French Navy’s communications system. The project aims to prepare the naval forces for collaborative and networked combat.

Airbus, leading an industrial consortium, will equip over 80 vessels, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, amphibious helicopter carriers, frigates, and submarines, with the RIFAN 3 network. The upgraded system will allow for rapid reconfiguration, adapting communication resources in various tactical and operational scenarios.

The French Navy is increasingly focused on building resilience against electronic warfare, which has been a prominent feature of the conflict in Ukraine. To counter the effects of jamming and the potential loss of satellite communications, the French Navy ensures that its carrier strike group trains under these challenging conditions.

Elsewhere, Poland and Slovakia have signed a letter of intent to enhance their defense collaboration, focusing on joint ammunition production, armored vehicle manufacturing, and air defense weapons procurement. The agreement, signed by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Slovak counterpart Robert Kaliňák, outlines several initiatives aimed at strengthening defense capabilities in both countries.

The first initiative involves Poland benefiting from Slovakia's technology and know-how in manufacturing 155-millimeter artillery shells. Poland has already allocated PLN 3 billion (US$759 million) to boost its domestic ammunition production, with a particular emphasis on 155 mm rounds.

Additionally, the two countries plan to jointly produce an armored fighting vehicle based on Poland’s Rosomak, developed by the state-run PGZ defense group. The new vehicle will feature a remote-controlled turret, developed by Slovak company EVPÚ.

Poland also offers Slovakia the opportunity to procure K2 Black Panther tanks, which are being produced domestically under license from South Korea's Hyundai Rotem. Poland has already ordered 180 K2 tanks, with an additional 820 units in the K2PL variant expected to be produced in Poland.

Slovakia is considering acquiring up to 104 new tanks, with options including the CV90120 light tracked vehicle, Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, and upgraded Leopard 2A4s.

The final component of the agreement is Slovakia’s interest in acquiring the Piorun (Thunderbolt), a man-portable air defense system made by PGZ. The weapon has gained significant attention following its use by Ukraine against Russian forces, leading to increased exports to countries around the world.