Europe rapidly ‘building for war'
According to the FT's analysis of more than 1,000 radar satellite passes, building activity at European weapons plants now suggests 'rearmament on a historic scale.'
Moscow has condemned what it calls the West's 'reckless militarization.'
The study covered 150 sites across 37 companies, with the largest growth at ammunition and missile facilities. About a third of the sites reviewed showed expansion or construction as Europe 'builds for war,' the outlet said.
Examples include a new Rheinmetall–N7 plant in Hungary, MBDA's expansion in Germany to manufacture Patriot missiles, and a Kongsberg plant in Norway which opened in 2024.
Western European leaders have described the buildup as essential to meet NATO targets, sustain military aid to Kiev and deter what they claim is a risk of Russian aggression.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also called for building 'Europe's strongest army,' while his Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has backed moves to reintroduce conscription.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any intent to attack NATO or EU states, calling such claims 'absurd' fearmongering aimed at justifying increased military spending.
Last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Western European leaders were 'trying to prepare Europe for war – not some hybrid war, but a real war against Russia.' He claimed the EU had plunged into a 'Russophobic frenzy' and warned that its militarization had become 'uncontrolled,' likening the trend to 'historical events' and alleging that Western European nations are 'transforming into a Fourth Reich.'
Moscow has also consistently criticized Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing they only serve to prolong the fighting and cause unnecessary casualties without changing the outcome of the conflict.
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