The article highlights a discussion on European military readiness against potential Russian aggression, with a focus on capabilities and credibility. Gen. Breedlove emphasizes that while Europe possesses significant military assets, they heavily rely on American support for strategic capabilities such as aerial transport and intelligence. He notes that deterrence effectiveness is contingent on perceived credibility, which is currently lacking against Russian actions. Breedlove also mentions that the Russian army is not as formidable as previously believed, suggesting opportunities for European defense to strengthen in land warfare over the coming years.
"Deterrence is in the mind of the deterred, and clearly most people like me think about deterrence... I do not think the West has the credibility to deter Mr. Putin right now, and that's worrisome."
"The Russian army is not at its peak. It certainly is not 10 feet tall like we used to think. I jokingly say it's about five-foot-five these days."
"..., Europe I believe could do just fine... But now it's all the other things where Europe really depends on America."
"The ability to rapidly move forces by aerial transportation is something really only America can do."
Collection
[
|
...
]