European NATO countries currently face significant challenges in matching Russia’s military capabilities without U.S. support, raising concerns about their operational readiness. While NATO’s air power appears formidable on paper, it relies heavily on American assets for intelligence, refueling, and logistics, limiting Europe’s independent operational capacity. European air forces field modern fighters, such as the French Rafale and Swedish Gripen, yet over half of NATO’s fighters are American-made, with the U.S. providing approximately 55% of NATO’s combat-ready aircraft. The transition to advanced platforms like the F-35, adopted by 12 European NATO members, adds complexity as some nations delay their acquisition, questioning Europe’s ability to fill air defense gaps amid rising threats. Additionally, the imbalance in aerial refueling capabilities and the overall lack of indigenous European defense production complicates rapid operational responses. The strategic implications are profound; without reliable U.S. backing, Europe may struggle to maintain air superiority against well-equipped Russian forces, underscoring the urgent need for a cohesive and self-sustaining European defense strategy.
