Europe Armies Up: Zambia Must Watch Its Back as the West Rearms

By Mwansa Chisanga

For decades, Europe slept on its own defence, leaning on Uncle Sam's deep pockets while slashing military budgets. That lazy holiday is over. The war in Ukraine, Donald Trump's blunt demands for Europe to pay its own way, and a growing fear of future conflicts have kicked off the biggest military build-up on the continent since World War II. And while the big boys play with their new toys, Zambia must keep its eyes wide open.

What Has NATO Actually Announced?

NATO has confirmed that European allies and Canada will spend a record amount on defence in 2026. Military budgets are rising faster than they have in decades. The alliance has set a new target: 5% of GDP,