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tim333today at 12:27 AM1 replyview on HN

In Europe we do have some non US weapon systems thankfully. Maybe not as good as the US kit but quite functional on the whole. We've been a bit surprised as long time allies of the US for them to get a president who seems more fond of Russia than the democratic world. I didn't see that one coming.


Replies

class3shocktoday at 1:10 AM

You do but when it comes to certain critical areas that require very large investments in R&D to get going (space launch, 5th/6th gen fighters, nuclear deterrents, etc.) there is a significant lack of home grown capacity/capability. That's more what I was referring to in the above, you guys have plenty of comparable stuff in many areas.

Let me tell you, you folks weren't the only ones caught off guard by the current American political leadership. I think Europe is still betting this is more theater than anything and things will move back towards baseline in the long run, which I think is a fair bet, but I do wish they would hedge that bet a bit more than they are currently.