Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional army, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced in May.
The government must address a personnel shortage through new service models while quickly modernizing military equipment.
Politico reported Berlin is preparing procurement worth up to €83 billion, with most contracts directed to European firms.
Germany intends to launch 154 defense projects between September 2025 and December 2026. Only eight percent of purchases will come from the United States.
Sipri data shows European arms imports from the US tripled between 2020 and 2024, with Germany recording a 334 percent rise.
Berlin now emphasizes “Buy European,” signaling a shift from reliance on Washington to strengthening local industries.
US Dependence Sparks Tensions
US expert Josef Braml said Germany bought American weapons as “tribute” for security Washington no longer guarantees.
He argued reliance on US systems like the Patriot defense shield makes Germany vulnerable.
The Pentagon has already restricted Patriot exports, reserving supplies for American use.
Europe lacks alternatives for some systems, including the F-35 stealth fighter.
Christophe Gomart, ex-French intelligence chief, raised concerns about a “kill switch” in F-35 jets, though German officials deny the possibility.
Despite risks, Berlin continues its F-35 order, citing the absence of European fifth-generation fighters.
Europe Weighs Independence in a Shifting Order
Pieter Wezeman of Sipri said NATO members are working to reduce dependence and expand domestic defense industries.
The Marshall Plan and NATO built strong transatlantic ties, but US priorities have shifted under Trump’s “America First” policy.
Trump demanded NATO members spend five percent of GDP on defense and purchase American arms.
He set aside $150 billion for the Pentagon through his “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Braml warned sovereignty requires Europe to protect itself, not rely on American spare parts and software.
Merz admitted Germany will remain dependent on the US “whether we like it or not.”
Braml insists “Pax Americana is dead” and Europe must establish itself as an independent power in a multipolar world.
Patent data underscores US dominance: between 2015 and 2021, US companies filed nearly 18,000 defense patents, while all EU states together filed fewer than 12,000.
Germany must now assume responsibility for its own defense in the shortest possible time.
