U.S. Media: Middle East Conflict May Expose Europe's Military Weaknesses

Reference News Network reported on March 18 An article was published on the website of the American "New York Times" on March 15, titled "Middle East Conflicts Test European Military Strength, What’s the Outcome? Mixed Results," authored by Lara Jakes and Catherine Porter. The translation is as follows:

Despite refusing to participate in strikes against Iran, European leaders have responded to the escalating conflicts in the Middle East by sending warships, fighter jets, and air defense systems to protect bases and allies in the region.

However, officials and analysts say this display of military force—one of the largest military mobilizations on the European continent in recent years—also exposes the shortcomings of European military capabilities.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump pressured European leaders to take more responsibility for their own defense, this mobilization has been a significant stress test of European military capabilities. Experts say that so far, the performance of European countries in this military operation indicates that after relying on U.S. military power for 80 years, Europe’s rearmament and personnel recruitment efforts are still in their infancy.

United Kingdom

In early March, after an Iranian drone attacked the British airbase in Cyprus, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to deploy a destroyer to the eastern Mediterranean, hoping to reassure ally Cyprus. He also sent four missile-equipped fighter jets, four helicopters, and anti-drone systems to protect Gulf state bases from Iranian attacks and allowed U.S. bombers to take off from British bases to launch defensive strikes against Iran.

Although this move was intended to demonstrate military strength, it also highlighted the reduction of British military resources. The destroyer set sail for Cyprus more than a week after the attack, raising doubts about the UK's readiness for combat. A recent analysis by the Royal United Services Institute concluded that the UK's contribution to the overall effort to dismantle Iran's counterattacks is merely "a drop in the bucket."

The analysis pointed out that the British armed forces have been "weakened" to such an extent that "the actual state of the military will limit the UK's practical means to respond to war."

France

France has deployed about 12 warships to the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf, including its only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. According to Frédéric Grouazel, editor of the French trade magazine "Marine & Maritime," this fleet accounts for about 60% of France's active combat vessels. The goal of this operation is to protect French citizens in the region, defend allies including Cyprus, and ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.

Some analysts pointed out that this deployment forced France to withdraw from what a NATO official described as a show of force to deter Russia in the Baltic Sea.

Others stated that France is demonstrating to its Arab allies, Europe, and the United States that it is a reliable ally, and the speed of its military deployment puts the UK to shame.

Grouazel stated in an interview that this deployment sends a signal to Russia and the United States: Europe "is not weak."

Elie Tenenbaum, a security expert at the French Institute of International Relations, stated that the benefits of deploying to the Gulf region outweigh the costs of temporarily leaving Russian waters.

Italy

Italy has joined the ranks of European navies, including the UK, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, deploying a missile frigate to defend Cyprus. It has also agreed to provide various air defense weapon systems to help protect Gulf allies.

However, in proving its worth to Arab partners, Italy may expose Europe to threats from Russia. This has also put immense pressure on an already strained defense industry.

Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Italian defense contractor Leonardo, stated that major defense contractors are doing their utmost to keep up with demand. He said, "Frankly, the frequency of conflicts is even faster than our ability to ramp up production."

Several officials have indicated over the past week that European officials are increasingly concerned that the conflicts in the Middle East have severely strained the supply of air defense systems capable of intercepting drones and other munitions globally. They worry that European allies in the Gulf are rapidly depleting such interceptors, and efforts to increase the supply of interceptors to the region may further reduce the missile supplies available to Ukraine for defending against Russian attacks.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that his country would not contribute to Europe’s military buildup in the Middle East because "there is a war on our border right now." (Translation/ Wang Qun)