Germany will build Europe’s strongest conventional army, Chancellor Merz announced in May.
The government must address troop shortages with new service programs and quickly supply modern equipment.
Berlin plans 154 major defense procurements between September 2025 and December 2026, spending up to €83 billion.
Most contracts will go to European firms, with only eight percent sourced from the United States.
US arms exports to Europe tripled from 2020 to 2024, with Germany increasing imports by 334 percent.
Berlin now prioritizes “Buy European” to reduce dependence on American defense systems.
Risks of Relying on US Weapons
Josef Braml, US security expert, says Germany bought American weapons as “tribute” for security it no longer receives.
Germany relies on systems like the Patriot missile shield, which the Pentagon restricts for US use.
Europe lacks alternatives for some weapons, including the F-35 stealth fighter.
Some officials warn of a potential “kill switch” in F-35 jets, though German authorities deny this possibility.
Germany continues its F-35 order, citing stealth technology and the absence of European fifth-generation fighters.
Building European Defense Sovereignty
Sipri researcher Pieter Wezeman says NATO states are strengthening local arms industries and reducing imports.
The Marshall Plan and NATO built strong US-Germany ties, but Trump’s “America First” policy shifted priorities.
Trump urged NATO allies to spend five percent of GDP on defense and buy US weapons.
Braml emphasizes that true sovereignty means Europe must protect itself without relying on US parts or software.
Merz admitted Germany will remain partially dependent on the US “for a long time to come.”
Patent data shows the US leads in defense technology: 18,000 US patents versus under 12,000 across all EU states.
Braml concludes: “Security is gone, Pax Americana is dead.” Germany must now secure its own defense independently.
