Politico: Germany to reduce share of US weapons in military purchases

Germany foresees allocating only 8% of its budget to American weaponry, with the remainder directed toward European defence products, according to Berlin's new military procurement plan obtained by Politico. 

Berlin plans to sign contracts worth nearly €83 billion in 2026, covering 154 projects scheduled from September 2025 to December 2026. Purchases from US companies will total around €6.8 billion, roughly 8% of the overall budget.

The plan includes acquiring missiles for the MIM-104 Patriot air-defence system, Boeing P-8A aircraft missiles, AMRAAM and ESSM missiles, and radio equipment from the US.

Major programs also include the €26 billion F-127 frigate program, €3.4 billion for additional Boxer armoured vehicles, €2.3 billion for the modernisation of Taurus cruise missiles, and €196 million for the Eurodrone “detect and avoid” system. Other smaller contracts cover fleet auxiliary vessels, new trucks, drones, radios, ammunition, and ship-launched missiles.

Instead, Germany intends to prioritise contracts with European manufacturers, including Rheinmetall, KNDS, TKMS, and a deal for Eurofighter Tranche 5 jets.

According to US government data, Berlin signed a record $13.9 billion in contracts with Washington in 2023.

By Khagan Isayev