An internal German Defense Ministry brief, reported by Politico, warned a rapid
reduction in reliance on US weaponry could damage relations with Washington and
deprive German defense firms of participation in US weapons production. The
memo, discussed at the Bundestag defense committee, said Germany’s public push
programs for autonomy in arms will attract US criticism and that Germany
cannot abruptly change course without risking the partnership. From 2021–25 the
US accounted for 37% of Germany’s major weapons imports, including F-35
fighters, CH-47 Chinook helicopters and Patriot air-defence systems.
