Key facts
- Germany wants to strengthen its military and take on more responsibility for European defense.
- Germany's defense spending has increased to $147 billion this year, up 25% from 2025.
- Germany is seeking to integrate its firms into U.S. supply chains and licensed production.
- Delays in U.S. production are hindering Germany's acquisition of critical weapons like Tomahawk missiles.
- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed frustration over slow timelines for U.S. weapons deliveries.
- The U.S. administration's focus is on American manufacturing, jobs, and rebuilding its own military stocks.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited the Pentagon on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to discuss military cooperation and procurement with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Berlin aims to strengthen its military capabilities and assume greater responsibility for European defense, but faces a dilemma as much of the necessary equipment is sourced from the United States. Pistorius highlighted Germany's increased defense spending, reaching $147 billion this year, a 25% rise from 2025, and nearly tripling over the past decade. A statement of intent on defense-industrial cooperation was signed, focusing on joint production, licensed manufacturing, and supply-chain resilience, though it lacked specific project details or investment commitments.
Despite efforts by Germany and other European nations to reduce dependence on the U.S. for advanced weaponry like long-range missiles and satellites, a significant portion of Germany's new defense spending is directed towards American companies. This includes orders for Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets, CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and Patriot air-defense systems. Hegseth praised Germany's increased spending as a step towards 'NATO 3.0,' emphasizing European allies bearing more defense burdens while the U.S. pivots elsewhere.
However, differing strategic priorities are apparent. Pistorius identified Russia as the primary threat to Europe, while Hegseth focused on President Donald Trump's agenda of boosting American manufacturing and jobs. Germany's rearmament drive currently aligns with this vision, with Pistorius noting that Germany's investments in the U.S. amount to approximately $50 billion, creating jobs. Nevertheless, Germany is increasingly frustrated by delays in U.S. production, particularly for systems like the Typhon launcher and Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are essential for deterrence against Russia. Pistorius conveyed to Hegseth that previously discussed timelines for these systems are too slow.
Pistorius also stated that buying more U.S. weapons would not hinder Germany's efforts to boost its own capabilities, emphasizing a desire for German firms to be integrated into American supply chains. He stressed that "NATO needs to become more European in order to stay transatlantic." Hegseth is leading a review of U.S. force posture in Europe, and the Trump administration has already withdrawn troops from Germany. Pistorius admitted he had not yet gained clarity on future U.S. deployments.