European Powers Move to Build Joint Missile Shield as United States Pulls Back

European governments are working together to develop an anti-ballistic missile defense system. The Japan Times described the step as a move away from the continent's long reliance on the United States as Ukraine struggles against Russia's offensive. The decision reflects European doubt that Washington will continue to guarantee the continent's security.

That doubt is reinforced by the condition of United States diplomacy. The Financial Times argued that the United States State Department, once central to Washington's global influence, is being weakened and depleted under the current president, which leaves allies less able to depend on American engagement. For European capitals, a reduced United States diplomatic and military presence on the continent is now a planning assumption rather than a worry.

The construction is expensive and slow, and Europe's fragmented defense industry has struggled to produce at large scale. Whether the effort closes the security gap or instead reveals how far Europe lags will depend on how quickly member states can combine their purchasing and funding.