Restructuring European Deterrence: The Case for Conventional Shield and Spear (hcss.nl)

• US strategic shift necessitates European-led defense
• Shield (denial) and Spear (precision strike) framework
• Prioritize conventional capability over nuclear expansion

"HCSS researchers Davis Ellison and Tim Sweijs argue that Europe can no longer rely on US security guarantees. With US strategic priorities shifting to the Pacific, Europe must transition to a 'shield and spear' posture focused on robust conventional denial and long-range precision strike capabilities. The report warns against nuclear proliferation, favoring instead an integrated European defense architecture supported by enhanced UK-French nuclear coordination and industrial autonomy in C4ISR and missile defense to address the looming 2030 Russian military threat."