The British and German Defense chiefs contend that military buildup is necessary to protect Europe from potential Russian aggression.
They pointed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
"Moscow’s military buildup, combined with its willingness to wage war on our continent, as painfully evidenced in Ukraine, represents an increased risk that demands our collective attention," they declared in an opinion piece published by The Guardian.
They asserted that the continent must have a strong defense industry.
"There is a moral dimension to this endeavour. Rearmament is not warmongering; it is the responsible action of nations determined to protect their people and preserve peace. Strength deters aggression. Weakness invites it," they wrote.