Germany Plans €80B Rearmament Favoring European Arms Over US Systems

Germany is launching a massive €83 billion military rearmament program primarily focused on European defense manufacturers, with only about 8% of contracts allocated to American-made weapons. This strategic shift marks a departure from Germany's recent history as one of Washington's largest defense buyers, where it spent over $17 billion on U.S. arms between 2020 and 2024. Key European projects include the €26 billion F-127 frigates by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, €4 billion for Eurofighter Typhoon jets, and substantial investments in armored vehicles and missile modernization. American contracts are limited to €5.1 billion for Raytheon's Patriot missile systems and €150 million for Boeing's torpedoes, totaling roughly €6.8 billion. The move is seen as a setback for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged European allies to increase purchases of American weaponry. Germany’s emphasis on European industry reflects a strategic prioritization amid evolving geopolitical and defense considerations.