I was thinking about how Europe might ensure its capability should the US reduce its commitment to NATO in Europe. In Pressing Reset, a Fabian pamphlet, Calvin Bailey MP, one of Labour’s ex-military MPs wrote in an article, “Defence Co-operation” that the UK had superior offerings in maritime capability, medical capability and logistics. The last of these surprised me and so I did some reading; here are my notes and links.
Google Gemini says, https://share.google/aimode/B15z0FFZ9umDsDGbj , European NATO forces rely on a mix of strategic and heavy-tactical airlift, primarily utilising the Airbus A400M Atlas and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. The A400M acts as the main tactical-strategic hybrid for nations like France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, while the UK and a multinational wing in Hungary operate C-17s for larger, outsize loads. This means that there are very few European operated Boeing C17’s which can carry twice as much. Again a more detailed comparison between the two aircraft, from google Gemini, or here.
The RAF have 22, the French 41 and the German’s 53. The Poles have a procurment competition in place, I assume they are swapping out their Warsaw Pact planes, if any.
Is the A400m good enough, and are there enough? NB it has in flight refuelling capability too. BUt to claim that logistics was a capability in which the UK had a potential leadership role seems a bit optimistic.
The featured image shows the two aircraft together with its predecessor.