The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered a significant boost in European defence budgets. Across the continent, both NATO and non-NATO members have announced significant increases in military spending totalling some $133 billion as a response to Russian aggression.
However, it remains to be seen whether these announcements will quickly make a material difference.
Although the sums committed are significant, with Germany, for instance, deciding to spend about €100 billion ($111.69 billion) extra over the next few years, it is far from clear whether the capacity exists to spend this money in a meaningful way, or if it will be