Key facts
- Germany intends to build U.S. weapons systems or components under license.
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the need for capabilities Germany lacks or cannot produce quickly.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the goal is to make NATO more European and reduce transatlantic dependencies.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised Germany's defense investment and called for increased production.
- Germany is projected to invest 3.5% of GDP in defense by 2029.
Germany is seeking to bolster its defense capabilities by producing U.S. weapons systems or their components under license within its borders, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. This initiative aims to address gaps in Germany's current arsenal and overcome limitations in its domestic production capacity, particularly as Europe works to enhance its own defense industry and reduce reliance on the United States.
Pistorius acknowledged the apparent contradiction between this goal and Europe's push for greater defense independence, but argued that aiming for more autonomy does not preclude cooperation on European or allied systems. He emphasized the need for capabilities required over the next decade to 15 years.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported the move, characterizing it as part of a broader European strategy to assume more responsibility within NATO and lessen unilateral transatlantic dependencies, which he believes benefits both sides of the Atlantic. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte endorsed Germany's commitment, noting its projected increase in defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029. Rutte urged the defense industry to accelerate production and supply chains to meet security needs, while also stressing the continued indispensable role of the U.S. in supporting Ukraine.