EU defence coordination could cut costs

EU states could save almost €11 billion of their €220bn defence costs if they coordinated procurement, according to McKinsey analysts*. Europe deploys 178 different weapons systems, compared to just 30 by the U.S.

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Romanian MiG-21 Lancer manoeuvres alongside U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon


Selected weapon systems in use (2016) Europe U.S.

Fighter/ground attack aircraft 20 6
Attack helicopters 4 2

Anti-ship missiles 12 2

Air-to-air missiles 13 3

Main battle tanks 17 1

Infantry fighting vehicles 20 2

152mm/155mm artillery 27 2

Destroyers/frigates 29 4

Torpedoes 20 4

Submarines 16 
11 conventional 5 nuclear
4 nuclear


178 In service in 2016
30


*Analysis by McKinsey & Company for Munich Security Report 2017


Sources: McKinsey, IISS Military Balance 

Picture: Associated Press 

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