Why are European defence programmes described as less efficient than Chinese procurement?
Short answerThe explanation centres on small orders carrying substantial development costs, producing expensive equipment in limited quantities.
NotesThe November 2025 assessment connects high European procurement costs with small production runs. Sophisticated equipment still requires substantial research and development even when few examples are ordered. Spreading those costs across a limited order raises the cost of each unit. Competing spending priorities and an interest in keeping taxes low are offered as reasons for restricting orders. The resulting small quantities leave industry poorly prepared to supply equipment in volume.