How does the European army face Russia without US support

Now, people in NATO and around it are wondering if Europeans can deal with more than just a military exercise. The US’s commitment to NATO’s security guarantees is suddenly questioned, even after the United States renewed the Ukrainian military support this week following the receipt of the ceasefire by Kiev and the level of Moscow. American diplomacy towards Russia and the coolness of the Trump administration towards Europe are concerned.

The disturbing situation leads to a question that has previously been considered unimaginable: If the transatlantic connections are even more undermined, whether Europe will have to protect itself in front of Russia Without US support? Senior US military and government officials in Europe say that such a scenario Europe can land a strong blow.

Europe has unimportant abilities in air protection and intelligence, but its armies together constitute a massive air force, a huge fleet and an impressive dry army. Drying forces, which shrinks after the Cold War, are gradually rebuilt and add advanced equipment.

The confrontation will be the most fatal and destructive – as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has proven – and will increase the risk of nuclear war. But in a conventional war, strategies say Russia will fight against Europe.

Will the renewed Russian army conquer European areas

NATO companies have stated that in a few years, Russia may be strong enough to initiate a traditional attack on Europe, especially if a peace agreement with Ukraine will allow Moscow to rebuild its armed forces.

“What we saw from Putin’s army is that they are definitely not ‘ten -foot giants.’

He said 11 years after the first Russian attack on Ukraine, where she conquered the Crimea, and three years after the scope of the extent, “their army was destroyed” by a smaller Ukrainian force.

Bridlav and others are optimistic about Europe’s chances of confrontation with Russia, partly because of the possible circumstances: Russian attack on Europe. Europe has no intention of attacking Russia. Protecting space is easier than its occupation, as the Ukrainian forces are scattered three years ago when they arrested Russia’s experience to conquer Kiev.

“I think European armies are well adapted to any problem that may wake up with Russia,” said Bridlav.

Will the US actively interfere with NATO operations?

One reservations that have emerged in recent days, following the blockage of Ukraine by President Trump, is the possibility that the US will actively interfere with European NATO’s actions. “It’s no longer completely unimaginable,” said Joseph Spatfura, a former planner planner and currently a researcher at the EU security Institute.

Europe’s military weaknesses are well documented. Its forces depend on the US for intelligence, monitoring and identifying, transport aircraft, control and command. The most critical weakness in possible fighting with Russia is the lack of European air defense systems.

Still, European armies have significant protection capabilities, which develop through incessant training. The extent of exercises is increasing and their focus has undergone collective protection. The absence of the United States is exercising the response power in February was largely due to European exchange and European initiative to lead the effort, according to NATO officials.

Last spring, 32 NATO companies have made the largest exercise since the Cold War, including about 90,000 soldiers, more than 80 fighter jets and 1,100 armored vehicles-a significant part of them came from the US. This year, NATO plans nearly 100 separate exercises, last January, General Christopher Kabley, NATO’s supreme commander in Europe. Most of them will be held in or near Europe.

“It’s an intense schedule, it’s ambitious, but it is completely necessary to make sure our forces are trained and ready to protect our citizens,” Kabley said.

The exercises allow the combat forces to get used to fighting alongside their allies and help commandments learn how to lead multinational forces. They also forced junior officers, who lead soldiers in battle, practice decision -making under pressure and in changing situations quickly.

NATO’s advantage over the Russian forces

NATO also trained Ukrainian soldiers in its approach to combat command, known as “missionary command”, which helped them beat the Russian attack on Kiev, according to Ukrainian officers and NATO officials. In contrast, Russian battle commanders have difficulty and adapt, as the last three years have proven.

The European NATO armies also have large amounts of equipment, although many need preparation for action. Together they hold about 5,000 tanks and more than 2,800 arrivals.

Russia has up to 3,000 tanks, according to analysts, although it is difficult to assess the exact numbers after losing thousands of tanks in Ukraine. Russia has about half of the number of artillery systems that are compared to Europe, according to the Institute of Strategic Study (IIS) in London.

European NATO countries have about 2,000 other fighter jets and military aircraft, and they expand and renew their fleets. By 2030, Europe will hold more than 500 new F-35 fighter jets made in US.

Russia has about 1,000 fighter jets, bombs and ground assault aircraft, but their performance were poor in the battlefield, according to IISS, which estimates that Russia lost about one in five aircraft operating in the battle.

Without the US, Europe will have to rely on NATO’s defense programs, though they are based on American involvement. Developing capabilities that will bridge these gaps will require massive investments.

“You have to use the best tools that exist,” Spatfura said. “NATO’s plans are a good model, because they combine national forces into one structure.”