The European Union countries have significantly increased spending on defense equipment due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Janes reported on this.

Total defense spending across the European Union in 2022 was €240 billion—a 6% increase compared to 2021, according to the European Defence Agency’s (EDA’s) new annual report, Defence Data 2022.

This figure is a record high in absolute terms for the 27 member states of the European Union. Despite this, the overall expenditure rate in individual countries still did not reach the NATO target of 2% of GDP.

In addition, the report notes that the increase in defense budgets is directly related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is why most European Union countries have begun to purchase defense equipment and invest in weapons development.

For example, of their total defense spending, the 27 member states allocated 24.2%, or €58 billion, to investment, which is 5.9% higher than in 2021.

Moreover, additional funding is allocated for general programs to strengthen the defense capabilities of NATO countries, such as the European initiative to strengthen air defense, Sky Shield.

About 20 countries have signed agreements to strengthen air defense over their territories and integrate their systems into the European network.

As Militarnyi previously reported, the Austrian government plans to order long-range air defense systems to bolster European air defense.

The decision follows Austria’s recent accession to the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative, which aims to set up integrated and interoperable air defenses amid a full-scale war in Ukraine.

The country should decide on the purchase of a specific model of air defense system by 2025, with the contract to be signed in 2026.

According to the plan, the new systems will be part of the Austrian Armed Forces in 2027 and will provide NATO’s northern flank with additional capabilities.