European defense sector fears consequences of reduced reliance on US tech

The European Commission is pushing for governments to reduce their reliance on major American tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft for sensitive security applications. European defense officials warn that attempting to replace these established systems too quickly could create significant risks, as current European alternatives for cloud technology and artificial intelligence are estimated to be eight to ten years behind. Many existing military assets, such as the F-35, are deeply integrated with American digital infrastructure, making immediate substitution complex and potentially dangerous. The Netherlands has also taken steps to maintain control over critical digital infrastructure, including blocking foreign acquisitions of companies that support essential government systems. While officials acknowledge that total dependence on foreign providers represents a long-term vulnerability, they argue that a forced transition could leave the continent less secure. As a result, some European firms are starting to migrate specific applications to regional cloud providers to gradually build indigenous capability while maintaining operational stability.