European Missile Buildup: Which Way Are They Aimed?
Europe’s renewed focus on missiles, evident from Paris to Berlin, appears formidable on paper, yet the majority of these systems lack real-world combat experience.
The development of missile technology in Europe has been influenced by the aftermath of World War II. Germany, despite its extensive history and contributions to rocketry, saw all missile system research and production cease after 1945. Conversely, the United Kingdom and France continued to independently develop their nuclear and missile capabilities. Collaborative efforts in this area across Europe only began in the 1960s.
Currently, many European nations are primarily consumers rather than manufacturers of missile systems. However, as NATO members, they collectively possess a significant combined capability.
Since the UK’s departure from the EU and following substantial changes in Europe’s security landscape, EU countries have entered a new stage in missile system development. For many years, numerous countries relied almost exclusively on American systems or weapons inherited from the Cold War. There is now a clear trend toward strategic independence, national high-tech initiatives, and increased industrial integration.
Most European countries still do not have long-range missile systems with ranges exceeding 150 kilometers. Poland is closest to addressing this deficiency through the acquisition of South Korean K239 Chunmoo systems, which can use interchangeable modules to strike targets between 36 and 300 kilometers away. Poland has also obtained American HIMARS launchers, capable of deploying ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers.
A similar situation exists in other regions, including the Baltic states, which largely depend on imported systems, mainly American or other NATO-supplied weapons. Several European navies also utilize anti-ship missiles with ranges of up to 200 kilometers, such as the American-made Harpoon.
Arguably, the most important factor is that the majority of Europe’s missile systems remain achievements that are impressive in theory and demonstrations, but unproven in actual combat. A notable exception is the French-made SCALP EG missile, which has been used in the Ukraine conflict. However, even this modern system has not been decisive and is being intercepted by Russian air defenses, a crucial consideration.
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