Europe is facing a window of vulnerability until 2030
Dutch General Onno Eichelsheim stated at the Euronews defense summit in Brussels that the lessons of the future war are already being written in Ukraine today, and Europe must learn them. The Chief of Defence of the Netherlands emphasized the importance of providing armed forces with necessary equipment on time. This was reported by Ukrinform, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Speaking in Brussels at the Euronews defense summit, Chief of Defence of the Netherlands Onno Eichelsheim drew attention to the need to increase the own defense capabilities of European states. The Netherlands, according to him, is raising defense spending to 3.5% and pre-planning necessary resources. However, the key issue remains the timely delivery of weapons and equipment to the armed forces.
Window of vulnerability until 2030
The official pointed out the existence of a period of vulnerability until 2030, characterized by a gap between current threats and armies that will be fully ready only in a few years. Within this timeframe, it is necessary to ensure reliable deterrence, and if deterrence fails, to be ready to fight. The European region must independently produce the required equipment within the specified timeframes rather than waiting five or ten years.
Future technologies on the battlefield
The general emphasized that the Ukrainian experience demonstrates how rapidly modern battlefield conditions are changing under the influence of new technologies. The use of drones and artificial intelligence is a matter of survival and forms a fundamentally different way of warfare. European countries should adopt this experience by learning to test, adapt, and scale new technologies faster.
Joint production and overcoming bureaucracy
During his numerous visits to Ukraine, the official observed how the military and industry work together to create software and new military capabilities. He urged European countries to avoid a situation where each nation develops its own similar systems, focusing instead on shared needs. Funding mechanisms, procedures, and production standards cannot take years when technologies on the battlefield change in weeks.
Photo: Ukrinform
Read also: Figure of the Day: Ukraine risks losing $10 billion due to port blockades
