For decades, Germany relied on Washington for security policy, but Josef Braml insists that period has ended.
In May, Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared the Bundeswehr must become Europe’s strongest conventional armed force.
The government now faces two pressing goals: solving personnel shortages with new service plans and rapidly modernising its equipment.
According to Politico, Berlin prepares an 83-billion-euro armaments and procurement plan.
Officials want most contracts to benefit European manufacturers, leaving only about eight percent for US suppliers.
Between September 2025 and December 2026, Germany intends to complete 154 major defence acquisitions.
Rising Dependence on American Weapons
European reliance on American arms has risen sharply.
Sipri reported that US arms deliveries to Europe, including Ukraine, more than tripled between 2020 and 2024 compared with previous years.
During that span, Washington directed 35 percent of its global exports to Europe, up from 13 percent.
NATO members doubled their imports, with two-thirds coming from the US.
Germany alone recorded a 334 percent surge in purchases, around 70 percent from American companies.
Washington also increased its worldwide dominance, raising exports by 21 percent and expanding its global share from 35 to 43 percent.
Berlin now pushes the motto “Buy European,” aiming to strengthen continental industries.
Struggle Between Independence and Reliance
Braml argues Trump’s warnings showed Europe that America could not guarantee protection.
He says Europe paid tribute by buying US weapons, which created deep dependence on American systems.
Germany still uses six Patriot defence systems, though Washington halted new exports to prioritise its own needs.
Some gaps remain, especially with the F-35 fighter jet.
Christophe Gomart suggested a potential “kill switch” embedded in US aircraft, though German officials rejected the claim.
Despite speculation, Berlin continues its F-35 orders, citing the jet’s unmatched stealth technology.
Experts stress that Europe must reduce vulnerability and strengthen sovereignty.
Sipri’s Pieter Wezeman acknowledges European moves to reinforce local arms industries but warns of entrenched transatlantic ties.
The Marshall Plan and NATO shaped security cooperation after World War II, but Trump’s “America First” doctrine strained expectations.
Earlier this year, Trump demanded NATO allies raise defence spending to five percent and buy more US weapons.
He earmarked 150 billion dollars for the Pentagon through his “Peace through Strength” agenda.
Braml warns that dependence on spare parts and software leaves Germany open to blackmail.
Merz admitted in Washington that Germany will remain tied to the US “whether we like it or not.”
Braml counters that Europe now lives in a multipolar order where strength defines survival.
Patent statistics highlight Washington’s dominance: between 2015 and 2021, US firms registered nearly 18,000 defence patents, while the EU managed fewer than 12,000.
Germany placed second in Europe with 4,300 filings but still trails American innovation.
Braml concludes bluntly: “Security is gone, Pax Americana is dead.”
Germany must assume responsibility for its own defence with urgency.
