How purchasing defence equipment abroad risks Europe’s security

The predominance of non-European defence purchases also has ramifications for the security of European countries:

1. Reduced security of supply: dependence on non-European suppliers exposes European countries to the evolving foreign policy agendas of third countries and the commercial priorities and production capacities of their industries. This can jeopardise the security of vital defence supplies in particular in times of crisis and high demand. 
2. Limitations in equipment customisation: buying abroad constraints European defence ministries in tailoring equipment to specific requirements. It also impedes system-level understanding and hinders flexibility in modifications, upgrades, and integration with European-made equipment.
3. Loss of operational freedom: foreign-made products may be subject to operational or export restrictions which curtail European armed forces' operational autonomy and European governments strategic/political autonomy.
4. Renouncement of technological sovereignty: by forgoing European development programmes and relying on off-the-shelf procurements, European countries relinquish technological sovereignty and diminish their strategic and political influence.
5. Challenges for co-development efforts: the lack of a critical mass of European systems limits the basis for any future co-development efforts in the framework of European collaboration.
6. Economic impact: procurement of non-European equipment entails adverse economic consequences in Europe, including the loss of highly skilled jobs, supply chains fragility, and reduced innovation capacity.