this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2026
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Europe

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[–] plyth@feddit.org 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

which do not use US tech

The US MIC was possible because other countries have kept US dollars which allowed the US to spend them twice, once to import products and once to pay engineers to develop military technology.

The EU can't use their engineers to create cars and AWACS. Things would have to change massively to compete and develop everything twice, like North Korean levels of modesty in compensation for workers.

If the US or China can bully an ally you rely

Like Lemmy, don't rely on a single country, and support the bullied. Of course, if the EU keeps silent, like with Venezuela, Kuba or Iran, countries will have to give in to the threats and actions.

[–] Melchior@feddit.org 1 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

The EU can’t use their engineers to create cars and AWACS. Things would have to change massively to compete and develop everything twice, like North Korean levels of modesty in compensation for workers.

Yes it can. There already is Swedens GlobalEye and if you not spend the money on American systems, you can built a decent European alternative. Something similar holds true for all sort of other weapon systems.

Of course, if the EU keeps silent, like with Venezuela, Kuba or Iran, countries will have to give in to the threats and actions.

There are 25,000 Cubans fighting for Russia against Ukraine. Iran is also openly supporting Russia in the war having send soldiers to Crimea and selling a lot of weapons to Russia. The response pro Venezuela should have been stronger, but they are also friends of Russia.

[–] plyth@feddit.org 1 points 15 hours ago* (last edited 14 hours ago)

Yes it can. There already is Swedens GlobalEye

True for AWACS but that's not what I meant. The existance of one European weapon system doesn't proof that the resources exist for all systems. Germany builds their own tanks. Neither Sweden nor Germany can build all systems. Europe as a hole can, but that means other civilian projects can't be built. And since the EU and the US stop cooperating, the US will also have to develop less.

if you not spend the money on American systems, you can built a decent European alternative

Sweden built the Gripen with an American engine. We can't double all military processes in the west without repercussions.

they are also friends of Russia.

The more it would mean if we speak out against it. If we remain silent about an injustice because it is to our advantage then we can't complain when the US end up bullying us to their advantage.

The irony is that Cubans have to work as mercenaries to make money because we allowed the US to claim Cuba for decades like Russia claims Ukraine.