The Pentagon is actively pressuring the European Union to prevent the bloc from prioritizing European-made weapons in future defense procurement. The U.S. has warned it will take action if American manufacturers are pushed out of the market
Politico reports this.
Details
U.S. officials told Brussels that any attempt to limit American companies’ access to European contracts would trigger a response. The warning appeared in previously unpublished U.S. administration submissions to the European Commission’s consultations on updating arms procurement rules.
“The United States strongly opposes any changes to the Directive that would restrict the ability of American industry to support or otherwise participate in national defense purchases by EU member states,” the administration said.
The Pentagon cautioned that explicitly including a “Buy European” clause in national laws would prompt U.S. countermeasures.
“If European preferential measures are implemented in member states’ procurement laws, the United States may review all existing waivers and exceptions under Buy American laws,” the Department of Defense emphasized.
Effectively, this could limit European companies’ access to certain Pentagon contracts. Currently, 19 of 27 EU capitals have agreements allowing local firms to compete for some U.S. deals, but the U.S. now plans to scrutinize all future exceptions carefully.
Context
In recent years, the European Commission has aimed to increase the share of European-made weapons in EU arsenals and contracts, preparing for potential conflict with Russia. Historically, Europe has relied heavily on American military technology—from F-35 fighters to HIMARS artillery and Patriot air-defense systems. Nearly two-thirds of imported weapons come from the U.S.
The EU plans to present an updated 2009 arms procurement directive in the third quarter. This is part of broader efforts to implement “Buy European” rules. Some programs already prioritize local suppliers, including the €150 billion SAFE program and the recently approved €90 billion loan for Ukraine, which requires at least 65% of equipment value to be sourced from Europe.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the U.S. does not plan to withdraw from NATO but expects European allies to take the lead in continental security.
