Prague: European nations have significantly increased defense spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but their military capabilities remain insufficient, particularly in terms of manpower, according to a report by the International Institute for Security Studies (IISS).

The findings, published during the Prague Defence Summit, highlight both progress and ongoing vulnerabilities in Europe’s defense posture as fears grow over potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump’s possible second term.

Defense Spending and Challenges
The report revealed that NATO's European members have raised defense spending by nearly 50% since 2014, the year Russia annexed Crimea. However, Europe’s armed forces still heavily rely on U.S. support across key military domains.

Post-Cold War reductions in European arsenals and the contraction of defense industries have left the continent underprepared for large-scale conflicts. While production of weaponry, particularly air defense systems and artillery, has surged in response to Ukraine’s needs, the issue of inadequate military personnel persists.

Industry Growth Amid Demand
European arms manufacturers have ramped up production to meet rising demands:

Rheinmetall, Germany’s defense giant, increased its annual production of 155 mm ammunition tenfold to 700,000 units.
More than half of European NATO members’ defense spending since 2022 has been directed toward European-made systems, compared to 34% spent on U.S.-made systems.

Manpower Shortage
Despite these advancements, many European nations are struggling to recruit and retain soldiers.
"Key European armed forces remain under-strength," the report noted, emphasizing a lack of effective incentives to attract the younger generation into military service.

Broader Concerns
The study underscores the need for Europe to strengthen its defense autonomy. The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House has raised concerns over reduced U.S. support for Ukraine and broader European security, amplifying the urgency of addressing these gaps.

As defense leaders convene in Prague, bolstering both equipment production and recruitment strategies is expected to top the agenda.