Reference Message Network reported on May 17. The German News TV Channel website published an article titled "The Huge Cost Europe Will Pay for the Withdrawal of US Troops" on May 15. The content is excerpted as follows: To make up for the gap left by the possible full withdrawal of US troops from Europe will cost a huge amount. According to a study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, it may require spending up to $1 trillion over the next 25 years to replace the current military forces deployed by the US in the European region - this is additional expenditure on top of the existing defense budgets of European countries. The study points out that the most challenging part is replacing the US's air and naval military capabilities. Unlike ground combat systems, Europe lacks the rapid autonomous industrial base in these areas. To quickly fill these capability gaps, equipment must be purchased from overseas, especially from US manufacturers. It is estimated that the cost of purchasing necessary new equipment alone could reach $226 billion to $334 billion. The most expensive item on the procurement list is 400 tactical fighter jets, which may cost up to $64 billion; followed by 20 various types of naval vessels, costing up to $50 billion. In the fields of air defense systems, main battle tanks, and helicopters, European countries also need to purchase large amounts of equipment. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, replacing about 128,000 US troops stationed in Europe each year would require an additional expenditure of $12.3 billion. However, the study does not cover all the costs that may be triggered by Trump's government's withdrawal. For example, expanding the nuclear arsenals of the UK and France would require several more billions of dollars. Additional costs will also be brought to Europe in terms of military coordination, intelligence systems, and military reconnaissance. The research assumes the background that the war between Russia and Ukraine will reach a ceasefire within the year. This may be followed by the US announcing its gradual withdrawal from NATO. Researchers warn that the withdrawal of US troops will soon pose threats to European countries. Signs of such situations have appeared multiple times. Since January, the Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized shifting the military focus to other regions. Washington stated that Europe must learn to be self-reliant. Defense Secretary Hekseth recently said during his inspection of US troops stationed in Germany that consensus has been reached on "reassessing global troop deployment." Hekseth confirmed the trend of the US strategic focus moving away from Europe in a memorandum released at the end of April. He proposed two priorities for the US military. He said: "The president clearly requires us to achieve peace through strength. Therefore, the US military must prioritize defending the homeland and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific region." This document made no mention of Europe. Such statements raise doubts about whether the agreement to increase US troops in Germany can be implemented. As planned, the long-range weapon systems of the US multi-domain task force will be temporarily deployed in Germany starting next year - equipped with "Standard-6" missiles and "Tomahawk" cruise missiles. However, Germany itself currently lacks similar weapon systems. (Compiled/translated by Jiao Yu) Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7505336954255376936/ Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Agree/Disagree" button below.