Excessive dependence can strain an alliance by leaving one partner feeling burdened and another feeling vulnerable. A medium or small power cannot manufacture every system it needs, so buying allied equipment remains necessary. The proposed test is whether the country has enough equipment and capability to operate independently in pursuit of its own interests against a likely equivalent threat. Independent operating capacity would therefore coexist with foreign procurement.
Notable Point · 2:07:49-2:09:03
Allied procurement still requires independent operating capacity
A medium power can buy foreign equipment while retaining enough capability to act for itself against a comparable threat.