Johansson said Europe needs greater control over its defense capabilities and supply chains as transatlantic relations face strain, stressing the importance of being able to upgrade and sustain systems within the region. He also warned that deeper defense integration would require changes in decision-making, saying, “We all agree on the objectives and ambitions, but the elephant in the room is still governance, structure and mandate.”
During roundtable discussions, industry, military, government representatives, and a Ukrainian delegation discussed cooperation and the future of warfare in Europe. Major General Hanke Bruins Slot, the Netherlands’ National Capability Director, cautioned against institutional rivalry, stating, “Readiness relies on the ability to take decisions.”
A warning on Russia’s military posture was delivered by Hanna Hvozdiar, an advisor to Ukraine’s defense minister, who said, “The Russians are now scaling production, scaling training and scaling the quantity of unmanned systems. This is a signal for us, for NATO.” Industry speakers echoed calls for long-term planning, with Jan Grabowski of PGZ and Camille Grand of European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association warning that delayed decisions risk missed future capabilities.
Source: European Defence Agency (EDA).
