Germany aims to make the Bundeswehr Europe’s strongest conventional army, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced in May.
The government must solve personnel shortages and equip troops quickly with modern weapons.
Politico reports Berlin plans €83 billion in procurement, with most orders going to European manufacturers and only eight percent to the US.
Germany schedules 154 major defense projects between September 2025 and December 2026 to reduce reliance on American systems.
US Dependence Sparks Strategic Concerns
Josef Braml warns Germany relied on US weapons as “tribute” for security Washington no longer guarantees.
Germany still operates six Patriot air defense systems, though the Pentagon limits exports due to domestic shortages.
Europe lacks alternatives for systems like the F-35 stealth fighter, leaving Berlin dependent on US technology.
Ex-French intelligence chief Christophe Gomart suggested a “kill switch” in F-35 jets, though German officials deny such a feature exists.
Germany continues its F-35 order because no European fifth-generation fighter matches its stealth and capabilities.
Europe Must Assert Sovereignty
Pieter Wezeman of Sipri says NATO countries are working to reduce US dependence and strengthen local defense industries.
Trump’s “America First” policies prioritized US interests and demanded NATO nations buy American arms and increase defense spending.
Braml stresses true sovereignty requires self-sufficiency in weapons, spare parts, and software to avoid vulnerability or blackmail.
Merz admitted Germany will remain dependent on the US “for a long time to come.”
Braml declares “Pax Americana is dead,” and Germany must assume full responsibility for its security quickly.
Patent data shows the US dominates defense technology, filing almost 18,000 patents from 2015–2021, while all EU nations combined filed under 12,000.
Germany cannot continue past reliance; it must now act to secure its defense and independence.
