Pierre Vandier, the newly appointed NATO official in an interview with Politico expressed a sharp criticism of the European weapon systems.
Europe cannot win the arms race of the future with the rules it currently imposes on itself
said the admiral. He added that European defense procurement and arms production is crippled by excessive bureaucracy and caution.
According to Vandier, the regulations force “over-compliance” by manufacturers, who must ensure that manufactured devices are still in perfect condition 15 years from now.
Not even a screw should be missing
– he emphasized, citing as an example the French Griffon armored transport vehicles, the design of which had to be modified due to the standards. The admiral hopes that next year’s NATO summit in The Hague will send a clear message to the EU:
If they want to stay in the arms race, change their rules
Due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, European countries are currently urging the expansion of their defense capacities, especially in the field of ammunition production. Despite this, the EU is still far behind Russia in terms of manufacturing capacity. Vandier believes that the slowness of European defense systems stems not only from regulation, but also from psychological factors.
Many people say that it cannot be done because the legislation is like that or the contract conditions are like that
– pointed out the commander, who believes that Europe should follow the example of the United States in the field of technology and innovation.
Compared to the United States, Europe’s risk-averse mentality hinders the necessary developments. Vandier pointed out that while the ships of the US Navy can receive updates daily, in Europe, for example, it takes years to modernize the combat system of a French frigate.
Americans’ enthusiasm and ability to take risks is essential. We don’t take risks in Europe
– said the admiral, urging the EU to speed up and simplify its armament processes.
Cover photo: Pierre Vandier, head of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) (Photo: AFP)
Source: magyarnemzet.hu
