Europe is struggling to rapidly modernize its armed forces due to a shortage of small locally produced jet engines, which are essential for drones and cruise missiles.
Currently, the development of these weapons mainly depends on four manufacturers: Safran (France), Motor Sich (Ukraine), Kale Arge (Turkey), and Williams International (United States).
For example, Safran supplies miniature engines for anti-ship and cruise missiles such as Exocet, NSM, and Storm Shadow, while Motor Sich and Kale Arge support national programs like the R-360 Neptune, SOM, and Çakır. The Dutch company Destinus has recently entered the European market, producing the T150 engine for the mini-missile RUTA. Other manufacturers, such as the Czech PBS, have promising engines but are not yet involved in European or international programs.
Experts warn that, for Europe to compete sustainably in the cruise missile sector, investment in domestic turbofan engine production is necessary, supported by national and European funds.
Developing a European alternative to American engines is seen as a medium- to long-term priority, and local manufacturers could, within a few years, create engines with high power and low fuel consumption.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @RAeSTimR | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
