Overview of the European Defence Readiness 2030 White Paper
The European Commission of the European Union issued a “Joint White Paper (WP) for European Defence Readiness 2030” amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions with the United States. However, the EU reaffirms its alliance with the US and NATO, and regards the UK as an essential ally.
Objectives and Financial Projections
- Achieving full defence readiness by 2030.
- Mobilizing additional defence expenditure up to 1.5% of GDP.
- Defence investment projected to reach at least EUR 800 billion over the next four years.
Priority Areas
- Air and missile defence.
- Artillery systems and ammunition stockpiles.
- Drones and counter-drone systems.
- Military mobility.
- AI, quantum, cyber, and electronic warfare.
- Strategic enablers and critical infrastructure protection.
International Cooperation and Opportunities
- Exploration of defence-industrial cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan, ROK, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
- Potential for Indian industries to engage in European defence initiatives, leveraging India's atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing.
- Opportunities for Indian defence exports such as Advanced Towed Artillery Guns and air defence missiles.
Challenges and Concerns
- Terrorism, violent extremism, and hybrid attacks.
- Cybercrime networks and international organized crime groups.
- Supply chain security for critical raw materials.
Strategic Implications and Indian Engagement
- EU's focus on technological advancements and dual-use technologies presents collaboration opportunities for India.
- India to study EU's defence model for improvements in its own defence sector.
- Potential expansion of Indian EPC companies into EU infrastructure projects.
- Exploration of joining EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS).
Conclusion
The emergence of the EU “Defence Union” presents strategic and economic opportunities for India. Rapid rearming of Europe aims to bolster its strategic autonomy and strength within the trans-Atlantic partnership. India, as a growing global power, should capitalize on this evolving landscape for furthering its defence and strategic interests.
