NYT: War in the Middle East tests Europe's military power

Despite refusing to join directly in the attacks against Iran, European leaders have responded to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East by sending warships, fighter aircraft and air defence systems to protect bases and allies in the region. However, this show of force has highlighted the limits of the continent's defence capacity, according to officials and analysts.

Mobilisation is considered the first major test of European military capacities since US President Donald Trump pressured European allies to increase defence spending, troop numbers and responsibilities for their security. Experts say the current answer shows that rearmament and recruiting in Europe are still in early stages, following decades of support in the United States military power.

Recent deployments have also made it difficult to keep mobilised forces on other fronts, such as the Baltic Sea, where European countries had planned a demonstration of strength against Russia. Furthermore, sending materials and ammunition to Arab allies in the Persian Gulf is undermining Europe's ability to support Ukraine in the fight against Moscow. “We are very fragile in terms of war”, Italian Senator Carlo Callenda said in an interview, warning that this could also create problems for protecting European countries themselves.

France, Britain Face Limits

London also sent four warplanes equipped with rockets, four helicopters and anti-dime systems to protect bases in Gulf states, as well as allowed US bombers to conduct defence attacks by British bases. However, an analysis by the Royal United Services Institute estimated that the British contribution to the region's air defence was relatively limited compared to US and Israeli efforts.

Italy Under Pressure

Italy has sent a frigate to defend Cyprus and has decided to supply Arab allies with Stinger missiles, artillery against drones and other defence systems. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosito urged military industry companies to mobilise all resources to support Gulf countries.

But this decision has significantly reduced Italy's arsenal. According to Senator Carlo Kalenda, one of the country's three operational air defence systems SAMP/T has moved from the Baltic region to the Middle East, leaving only one battery on Italian territory. Our “capacity is very low at the moment”, he said, stressing that the production of interceptive missiles is limited.

The Aftermath for Ukraine

The Middle East war is also creating pressure on global supplies of interceptive missiles used to bring down fears and rockets. European officials have voiced concern that supplies to Gulf Allies could reduce reserves for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski said Kiev has sent a team of fear experts and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov to Gulf countries to help challenge Iranian fears, using the experience gained from the war against Russia. Meanwhile, Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski said his country would not contribute to European military reinforcements in the Middle East. “We currently have a war on our borders”, he stressed. Analysts warn that current mobilization is clearly showing gaps in Europe's military capacities, which they say have remained unadvanced for many years.