The EU fears Trump will cut off arms aid.
America's European allies are scrambling to find alternatives to US-made weapons systems.
On March 23, the Washington Post, citing informed sources, reported that officials from EU member states are concerned that the Trump administration may halt support for US-made weapons systems that NATO is using in Europe.
In recent years, the U.S. has supplied nearly two-thirds of Europe's imported weapons. Many of these weapons systems are operated and maintained by American personnel. Furthermore, equipment containing American components could be restricted if Washington withdraws its support.
According to the Washington Post, EU officials are concerned that reliance on US-made missile defense systems, reconnaissance aircraft, drones, and fighter jets could become a major vulnerability, especially amid strained relations between President Donald Trump and the EU. Some fear that US-made weapons platforms could become useless if access to components, software, or data is blocked.
"It's not like President Trump can just press a button and all the planes will crash," an EU official told the Washington Post. "But the issue here is the interdependence," particularly in the areas of intelligence and communications, the official emphasized.
Currently, several EU member states are reviewing their arsenals to assess the level of risk if the US cuts off aid.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently called on the bloc to stop buying American weapons, arguing that rearming Europe would be pointless if member states remained dependent on American suppliers. Meanwhile, future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed expanding France's nuclear deterrence capabilities to protect its EU neighbors – a proposal Macron said could be considered.
Rasmus Jarlov, Chairman of the Danish Defence Committee, expressed regret that Copenhagen had purchased US-made F-35 fighter jets. He called it “a security risk that we cannot accept,” and warned that the US could disable the system if Denmark did not comply with its demands, such as handing over Greenland.
Portugal has canceled plans to purchase F-35s, citing the “current geopolitical context.” Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports the trend toward European military self-reliance, while acknowledging that Trump “is right” to argue that Europe needs to spend more on defense.