Europe’s defense gaps loom large as weapon makers schmooze in London

MILAN — Despite increased investments in homegrown weapons and systems, European nations are still facing major gaps in intelligence gathering, space access, long-range strike and missile defense, leaving governments here heavily reliant on the United States, according to a recent report.

The findings by a London-based think tank come ahead of one of Europe’s largest defense exhibitions, DSEI, hosted in the British capital Sept. 9–12. The trade show is expected to see an uptick in European participation this year, with more countries and companies represented —specifically from nations such as Lithuania and the Czech Republic.

Still, the U.S. government and arms industry are set to have a significant footprint, with only five of the 11 international pavilions listed on the DSEI website c