German experts propose €50 billion yearly plan for European defence autonomy
Updated
Updated · Defense News · May 7
German experts propose €50 billion yearly plan for European defence autonomy
10 articles · Updated · Defense News · May 7
The Kiel Institute paper by five German investors, executives and analysts says Europe needs €150 billion-€200 billion by 2030 and €500 billion over a decade.
It identifies 10 capability gaps, including command and control, drones, deep strike, air defence, satellite services and a European Starlink equivalent, with some improvements possible within three to five years.
The authors argue planned spending increases alone would bring only modest independence, and urge joint lead-country coalitions, faster procurement and broader supplier bases, citing Ukraine's war as proof change need not take decades.
Will Europe's €500 billion defense plan overcome its own deep-seated political and industrial fragmentation?
Should Europe invest billions in new jets or learn from Ukraine’s low-cost drone warfare revolution?
Can Europe achieve defense autonomy while its drones rely on a 'kill switch' of Chinese-made batteries?
Germany's €50 Billion Defence Boost and the EU's €150 Billion Plan: Europe's Race to Military Autonomy by 2030
Overview
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and growing doubts about US security commitments, Germany approved a historic €50 billion defence investment in December 2025, marking a major shift toward stronger European military capabilities. This move is part of a broader EU strategy launched in March 2025, the Readiness 2030 Roadmap, which aims to boost defence spending, foster joint procurement, and integrate Ukraine into Europe's defence industry. The breakdown of the old transatlantic defence model has accelerated Europe's push for autonomy, with Germany becoming the EU's top defence spender and the EU introducing innovative financing and mobility initiatives to build a more resilient, self-reliant security framework by 2030.