Introduction

A detailed report prepared by prominent German defense investors, industry executives, and security experts argues that Europe has the financial means and technological base to achieve strategic sovereignty in defense and security. However, this goal requires a coordinated and sustained investment effort of roughly €50 billion annually over the next decade. The study, published in cooperation with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and referred to as “Sparta 2.0,” presents both an assessment of Europe’s current military dependencies and a roadmap for achieving operational autonomy.

The central argument is that Europe’s reliance on the United States across the full spectrum of military capabilities—from intelligence gathering and satellite reconnaissance to command-and-control systems and precision strike coordination—represents a structural vulnerability. The authors emphasize that while European countries have increased defense spending in recent years, these efforts remain insufficiently coordinated and produce only limited strategic independence.

1. Strategic Dependence and the Path Toward Autonomy

The report highlights that Europe’s defense architecture is deeply integrated with U.S.-led systems. Critical functions such as space-based surveillance, battlefield communication, missile guidance, and data processing are heavily dependent on American infrastructure and technology. This dependence, according to the authors, limits Europe’s ability to act independently in high-intensity conflict scenarios.

The proposed roadmap envisions a phased approach. In the short term (3–5 years), Europe could achieve partial operational independence by closing the most urgent capability gaps. In the medium term (5–10 years), a more comprehensive “far-reaching autonomy” could be established if political coordination is sustained.

The total financial requirement for this transformation is estimated between €150 billion and €200 billion by 2030, and up to €500 billion over the next decade. Despite the scale of investment, the report argues that this corresponds to only a small fraction of Europe’s overall GDP and defense expenditure.

2. Critical Capability Gaps and Strategic Investment Areas

The report identifies ten major capability gaps that must be addressed for Europe to achieve strategic autonomy. Among the most critical are command-and-control systems, autonomous weapons platforms, long-range precision strike capabilities, air defense networks, and space-based infrastructure.

A key concern is the lack of a European equivalent to advanced U.S. defense software ecosystems and data platforms. The authors emphasize the importance of developing sovereign digital command systems, drawing comparisons to battlefield platforms used in modern conflicts such as Ukraine’s Delta system.

Another major gap lies in autonomous systems and drone warfare. The report argues that Europe has not fully adapted to the rapid transformation of modern battlefields, where unmanned systems and loitering munitions play a decisive role. To address this, it proposes the establishment of large-scale production capacity capable of manufacturing millions of drones annually, alongside investment in unmanned ground systems developed in cooperation with the automotive and AI sectors.

Deep precision strike capabilities are also identified as a priority, requiring new missile systems and long-range engagement platforms. In addition, Europe faces significant deficiencies in air defense, particularly in cost-effective short-range and counter-drone systems, as well as ballistic missile defense.

Space capabilities are another critical area, with the report calling for a European alternative to satellite-based communication and navigation systems. Building a sovereign equivalent to global constellations like Starlink is described as a strategic priority for resilience and independence.

3. Industrial Transformation and Defense Innovation Model

Beyond technology gaps, the report stresses the need for a structural transformation of Europe’s defense industry. It criticizes existing procurement systems as slow, bureaucratic, and overly reliant on rigid specifications that limit innovation.

Instead, the authors propose a shift toward prototype-driven development, competitive innovation programs, and production-oriented contracting. Rather than focusing on detailed input requirements, contracts should prioritize operational outcomes and scalability.

A central recommendation is the integration of non-traditional actors into the defense ecosystem, including technology startups, artificial intelligence firms, and the automotive industry. The report argues that Ukraine’s experience demonstrates the effectiveness of a diversified supplier base combining established defense contractors with agile new entrants.

Mass production capability is emphasized as a strategic necessity. Europe is urged to develop industrial capacity not only for high-end systems but also for large-scale production of drones, munitions, and support systems. This would ensure resilience in prolonged conflicts and reduce dependency on external suppliers.

Conclusion

The report concludes that Europe is at a strategic crossroads. While the technological foundation and financial resources for defense autonomy already exist, the key limitation is political coordination and prioritization. If these barriers are overcome, Europe could achieve meaningful operational independence within a few years and near-complete strategic autonomy within a decade.

The authors frame the challenge as comparable to a “Manhattan Project” for European defense—requiring concentrated political will, industrial mobilization, and technological acceleration. Ultimately, they argue that Europe’s long-term security will depend not only on increased spending, but on its ability to transform how defense innovation, production, and strategy are organized.