Without the United States, Europe needs 300,000 additional soldiers

Photo: Vadim Ghirda. AP/dpa/picture alliance

In the event of a conflict with Russia with Europe without US assistance, it will have to mobilise 300,000 additional soldiers. In addition to effectively opposing the Russian military force, considerable investment in the defence field would be needed, which, according to an analysis of Brussels' Bruegel Research Institute and the Kiel Institute for World Economics (IFW), would amount to about 250 billion euros annually.

Increase in Protection, Must

The authors of the study estimate that European states will have to create about 50 additional brigades with a total of 300,000 soldiers. Also needed are at least 1,400 new tanks, as well as 2,000 infantry combat vehicles, which exceed the current reserves of all German, French, Italian and British land forces, reports DW.

Researchers propose that European protection costs should increase from currently two percent to 3.5 percent of the economic output annually. For Germany, such as Europe's largest economy, an increase of 3.5 percent would mean an increase in national protection spending from 80 billion to 140 billion euros.

Protection Expenses as Economic Incentivities

Massive investments in the defence sector could boost national economies. This is the conclusion of a study of the EY consulting firm and Deka Bank. Investments for military equipment would mainly benefit metal industries, service providers such as transport and logistics companies, metal trade and research institutes, the authors write. Even the positive impact on the labour market will be “large”.