An internal German Defence Ministry brief, reported by Politico, warned a rapid
reduction in reliance on US weaponry could damage relations with Washington and
deprive German defence firms of participation in US weapons production. The
memo, discussed at the Bundestag defence committee, said Germany’s public push
for autonomy in arms programmes 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.
