# European defence
Latest news and articles about European defence
Total: 6 articles found
Queen Máxima Joins Dutch Army as Reservist — A Royal Response to Rising European Security Concerns
Queen Máxima has joined the Dutch army as a reservist and begun training, saying the move reflects a belief that national security can no longer be taken for granted. The enlistment is both symbolic and practical — reinforcing public support for defence while aligning the monarchy with broader European efforts to strengthen military readiness.
Starmer Eyes Closer EU Defence Ties as Britain Reconsiders SAFE Fund
Britain is considering joining a second round of the EU’s SAFE defence financing programme, reopening a debate over post‑Brexit security cooperation. The move would deepen practical ties with European partners but will hinge on agreement over costs, legal terms and governance.
Europe’s Winter Drills Expose the Limits of a ‘De‑Americanized’ NATO
Two recent NATO exercises — Arctic Endurance‑2026 and Steadfast Dart‑2026 — were presented as Europe‑led tests of collective defence, but rushed planning, thin participation and serious logistical frictions exposed enduring capability gaps. The drills signal a political push for European strategic autonomy, yet they also underline how far Europe must go before it can credibly substitute for US military power.
France and Italy Clear Key Hurdle for Next‑Generation Air‑Defence System
France and Italy have completed reciprocal live‑fire trials of the jointly developed SAMP/T NG air‑defence system, a key milestone before mass production. The tests validate the system’s basic engagement capabilities and reinforce Franco‑Italian industrial cooperation and European options for indigenous air‑defence capabilities.
Germany Says Active Force at 12-Year High as Arctic Pullback Exposes Gaps
Germany says its active military has grown to about 184,200 troops, the largest figure in 12 years, supported by rising defence budgets and a legal shift allowing extra borrowing for defence. Yet a swift withdrawal of a small Greenland deployment underscores that manpower and money still need to be translated into reliable, deployable capability.
Europe Deploys Forces to Greenland as Transatlantic Fault Lines Deepen
Several European countries have deployed personnel to Greenland as part of a Danish‑led reconnaissance mission, deepening disagreement with the United States and highlighting growing strains in transatlantic relations. While military movements are limited and largely symbolic, the episode raises substantive questions about NATO–EU coordination, European strategic autonomy and the future security order in the Arctic.