Benefits of European military procurement
In spite of the variety of languages and cultures that make up Europe, it has become an increasingly cohesive region with regard to military procurement. As the cost, scale and complexity of defence programmes grows, European defence procurement is becoming ever more centralised. The establishment in 2005 of the European Defence Agency with its collective purchasing strategy highlights this fact.
The European Union boasts a defence budget of US$190bn (source: Office of Defence Cooperation) and is focusing on promoting a highly open and competitive environment. The UK market in particular is one of the most open in the world. US companies often lead, or are members of, winning bid teams for UK defence programs.
European nations are also responding to new roles such as homeland security and peacekeeping, creating fresh areas of opportunity for US companies.
As well as conducting international business in English, the European militaries are renowned as prompt and reliable payers reducing the financial risks of dealing in international markets.
