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 German

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.