In a report to be released Wednesday, retired Air Force Gen. Joseph Ralston and retired German Gen. Klaus Naumann condemn European leaders for a lack of determination to improve their collective military capabilities. According to the London Financial Times, which obtained a copy of the 97-page report, the two generals plan to brief European defense officials within the next two weeks and Washington in November. The conclusion of the report is that the situation is dire unless Europeans work together and provide additional defense funding—with at least 25 percent going to research and acquisition. Remaining on the present course “is not an option—indeed it is a recipe for disaster,” states the report. Ralston was Supreme Allied Commander Europe (2000-2003) and Naumann was Germany’s chief of defense and head of NATO’s military committee.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.