Germany ends decades of reliance on the United States, says US expert Josef Braml.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared the Bundeswehr will become Europe’s strongest conventional army.
The government must solve personnel shortages and rapidly modernize equipment to meet this goal.
Politico reports Germany plans €83 billion in armaments, mostly sourced from European manufacturers.
Officials aim to complete 154 major procurements between September 2025 and December 2026, limiting US purchases to eight percent.
Europe imported three times more US arms between 2020 and 2024 than in the previous five years.
Germany increased imports by 334 percent, with around 70 percent sourced from the US.
Berlin now promotes the motto “Buy European” to reduce reliance on American defense systems.
Dependence Risks and the “Kill Switch” Debate
Josef Braml said previous dependence on US weapons acted as tribute for protection no longer guaranteed.
The Patriot defense system exemplifies this reliance; the US now restricts exports to prioritize its own forces.
Europe lacks alternatives for some systems, including the F-35 stealth fighter, raising sovereignty concerns.
Former French intelligence chief Christophe Gomart suggested the US could install a “kill switch” in jets, though officials deny it.
Germany maintains its F-35 order, citing the absence of European fifth-generation fighters.
Experts warn continued reliance on US systems leaves Europe vulnerable to supply restrictions or blackmail.
Toward Strategic Autonomy in a Multipolar World
Sipri researcher Pieter Wezeman said NATO members pursue domestic arms production to reduce dependency.
Merkel-era agreements and NATO built long-standing transatlantic defense ties, but Trump’s policies shifted US priorities.
Trump urged NATO partners to spend five percent of GDP on defense and buy US weapons, funding the Pentagon heavily.
Braml emphasized sovereignty requires Europe to produce, maintain, and control its own defense systems.
Merz acknowledged Germany will remain dependent on the US for some capabilities in the short term.
Braml called Pax Americana “dead” and urged Europe to establish itself as an independent power.
Patent statistics show US firms dominate defense technology, with nearly 18,000 patents compared to under 12,000 for all EU states.
Germany must act quickly to assume full responsibility for its security in a changing world.
