Europe’s arms manufacturers have increased production capacity in response to growing demand, but critics argue that more needs to be done. The European Union has proposed various initiatives to boost defense spending, and recent data shows that some of the continent’s largest defense firms are meeting this demand.
Data compiled by The Economist reveals that Europe’s top 10 defense companies have seen an increase in military output over the past few years. While there is still a significant gap in production capacity compared to other regions, such as North America or Asia, the trend suggests that European armsmakers are ramping up their efforts.
However, the EU’s own defense spending remains low compared to other major economies. The need for increased investment in defense is clear, and governments across Europe must now follow through on their promises by placing larger orders with defense companies.
The current state of affairs highlights the ongoing importance of European defense cooperation and the need for sustained support from governments. By increasing production capacity and meeting demand, European armsmakers are playing a crucial role in ensuring the continent’s security.
Source: https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/03/20/europes-armsmakers-have-ramped-up-capacity