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European leaders have not directly joined the attacks on Iran, but have responded to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East with a broad military mobilization. They have sent warships, fighter jets and air defense systems to protect bases and allies in the region.
According to officials and analysts who spoke to the New York Times, this mobilization constitutes one of Europe's largest military commitments in recent years and at the same time has revealed the limits of the continent's defense capabilities.
The development is seen as the first major test of European military capabilities after US President Donald Trump urged European allies to increase defense spending, troop numbers and responsibility for their own security. Experts say the process of rearmament and recruitment in Europe remains in its early stages, after decades of dependence on US military power.
The recent deployments have also affected other military commitments in Europe. They have made it difficult to maintain forces deployed on other fronts, including the Baltic Sea, where European countries had planned a show of force against Russia.
Also, sending materials and ammunition to Arab allies in the Persian Gulf is limiting Europe's ability to support Ukraine in the fight against Moscow.
"We are very fragile in terms of war," Italian senator Carlo Calenda said in an interview, warning that this situation could create difficulties even for the defense of European countries themselves.
France and Britain face restrictions
France has deployed more than half of its warships to the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf, including its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The move has forced Paris to scale back operations in other areas.
Britain has faced administrative problems that delayed the deployment of a destroyer to Cyprus by a week. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had promised to send the ship after an Iranian drone struck a British air base on the island.
London also sent four missile-equipped fighter jets, four helicopters and anti-drone systems to protect bases in the Gulf states. It also allowed American bombers to carry out defensive strikes from British bases. However, an analysis by the Royal United Services Institute assessed that the British contribution to the region's air defense remained relatively limited compared to the commitment of the US and Israel.
Italy under pressure
Italy has sent a frigate to defend Cyprus and has decided to supply its Arab allies with Stinger missiles, anti-drone artillery and other defense systems. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto urged military industry companies to commit all resources to supporting the Gulf countries.
However, this decision has significantly reduced Italian reserves. According to Senator Carlo Calenda, one of Italy's three operational SAMP/T air defense systems has been moved from the Baltic region to the Middle East, leaving only one battery on Italian territory. "Our capacities are very low at the moment," he said, noting that the production of interceptor missiles remains limited.
Consequences for Ukraine
The war in the Middle East is also putting pressure on global supplies of interceptor missiles, which are used to shoot down drones and missiles. European officials have expressed concern that deliveries to Gulf allies could deplete stocks destined for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kiev has sent a team of drone experts and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Gulf countries to help counter Iranian drones, using experience gained from the war against Russia.
Meanwhile, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski declared that his country would not participate in European military reinforcements in the Middle East. "We currently have a war on our borders," he stressed.
Analysts warn that the current mobilization is clearly revealing gaps in Europe's military capabilities, which they say have remained unaddressed for many years.
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