Europe's cutting-edge weapons outshine US supplies to Ukraine
Americans are the largest military equipment suppliers to Ukraine, with contributions valued at $64.1 billion. However, they are not supplying the most modern weapons. Ukraine receives more advanced weaponry from European countries. Below are some examples of equipment that will require increased supply in the upcoming months.
European countries are offering the latest technologies on the front lines, providing equipment worth approximately $65 billion, according to data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Though these deliveries are quantitatively smaller than American shipments, they include experimental equipment not found in American supplies. A significant advantage of the U.S. delivery was the sheer volume, such as the millions of artillery shells sent to Ukraine, compared to Europe's initial supply of only hundreds of thousands.
The U.S. has sent older weapons to Ukrainians, whereas European aid packages have included new items certified as recently as 2022. The U.S. found an opportunity to offload surplus vehicles, like MRAPs, which were used in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's important to note that all aid, regardless of its origin, is crucial for Ukraine.
European countries, especially those on NATO's eastern flank, also provided Ukraine with older Soviet-era equipment. Meanwhile, countries in Western Europe, aside from tanks like the Leopard 2 in newer versions, supplied older Leopard 1A5s.
Anti-tank threats and artillery from Europe
The conflict in Ukraine has served as a testing ground for modern European weaponry, showcasing new solutions. In the battle against Russian armored vehicles, alongside American Javelins, British NLAW systems, French Akeron MP, and German RGW90 grenade launchers have proven effective.
Additionally, equipment like French self-guiding Bonus artillery shells and German SMArt 155 transforms artillery into precise tank destroyers. These systems utilize two smaller projectiles equipped with sensors, independently seeking and targeting enemy tanks or self-propelled howitzers.
Ukraine also received 155 mm artillery systems with 20-foot guns, including the Polish Krab, German PzH 2000, French Caesar, Slovak Zuzana 2, and Swedish Archer. These systems offer a greater range than American alternatives.
Each howitzer mentioned provides a range of about 19 miles with standard ammunition or up to about 37 miles with rocket-boosted shells. They can also fire American M982 Excalibur guided shells, which have shown vulnerability to Russian GPS signal jamming. Notably, the Vulcano GLR from Italian-German production can function in such conditions while offering an extended range of up to 50 miles, though with slightly reduced striking power.
Western air defense systems in Ukraine — not only from the USA
While American Patriots form the bulk of medium-range air defense systems supplied to Ukraine, Europe has also contributed two SAMP/T batteries, which are in the same class. The USA didn't send most Patriots, but Americans are the leading producers of missiles for these systems. This is expected to change when these missiles start being produced in Europe in the coming years.
The scenario is more encouraging for short-range systems. Here, we find NASAMS capable of utilizing various missile types alongside European-origin systems like IRIS-T SLM and SLS. Europe plays a significant role in producing handheld anti-aircraft kits, such as the Polish Piorun, British Martlet, Swedish RBS-70 NG, and French Mistral-3, offering superior performance compared to American FIM-92 Stinger sets.
The challenge lies not in the availability of European weapon systems but in the insufficient production volume, which has significantly increased in recent years.
