US Pauses Arms Sales to Europe Amid Patriot Missile Shortages

The United States has begun pausing arms sales, including Patriot air defense systems, to certain European countries amid concerns over limited stockpiles. This shift, driven by President Donald Trump's administration prioritizing the "America First" agenda and Pentagon worries about dwindling missile interceptors, has particularly affected deals like Denmark's planned purchase of Patriot systems. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby opposed selling these systems to Denmark, emphasizing their scarcity and the need to reserve them for U.S. use. The Pentagon has identified a list of scarce weapons and is blocking new European requests, with few exceptions expected, though the duration and scope of this restriction remain unclear. This move has raised concerns among European allies about NATO's security posture, especially given increasing Russian military activity near NATO borders. Meanwhile, despite the freeze on some European arms sales, the U.S. continues to pursue large weapons deals with Israel, reflecting a strategic prioritization of U.S. defense needs and foreign military financing.