EU fears Trump may halt weapons support – WaPo
America's European allies are seeking alternatives to US-made defense systems amid concerns about future support from the Trump administration, according to a report by the Washington Post on Sunday, which referenced sources familiar with the...
TroibNews 
America's European allies are seeking alternatives to US-made defense systems amid concerns about future support from the Trump administration, according to a report by the Washington Post on Sunday, which referenced sources familiar with the situation.
In recent years, the United States has supplied nearly two-thirds of Europe’s arms imports, with many of these systems being maintained and operated by American personnel. There are fears that equipment incorporating US components could face limitations if US support were to be withdrawn.
Officials are worried that dependence on American missile defense, surveillance aircraft, drones, and fighter jets could expose NATO allies to vulnerabilities, especially given President Donald Trump’s tense relations with the European Union. Concerns have been raised that US-made systems could become inoperable if access to critical parts, software, or data were blocked.
“It’s not as if President Trump could just push a button and all aircraft would fall from the sky,” an EU official stated. “But there is an issue of dependency,” particularly with regard to intelligence and communications, the official added.
In light of these apprehensions, several EU member states are examining their military capabilities to gauge how vulnerable they might be if US support were severed.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the EU to halt purchases of American weapons, arguing that European rearmament is futile if member states continue to rely on US suppliers. Meanwhile, German Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz has suggested that France’s nuclear deterrent could be extended to protect its neighbors, a proposal that Macron indicated could warrant discussion.
Rasmus Jarlov, chair of Denmark’s defense committee, expressed regret over the country’s acquisition of US-made F-35 fighter jets, labeling them as “a security risk that we cannot run.” He warned that the US could deactivate these systems if Denmark does not comply with its demands, such as relinquishing control over Greenland.
Portugal has opted to cancel plans to acquire F-35s, citing the prevailing “geopolitical context.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced his support for enhancing European military autonomy, acknowledging that Trump “may have a point” regarding Europe’s need to bolster its own defense spending.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
In recent years, the United States has supplied nearly two-thirds of Europe’s arms imports, with many of these systems being maintained and operated by American personnel. There are fears that equipment incorporating US components could face limitations if US support were to be withdrawn.
Officials are worried that dependence on American missile defense, surveillance aircraft, drones, and fighter jets could expose NATO allies to vulnerabilities, especially given President Donald Trump’s tense relations with the European Union. Concerns have been raised that US-made systems could become inoperable if access to critical parts, software, or data were blocked.
“It’s not as if President Trump could just push a button and all aircraft would fall from the sky,” an EU official stated. “But there is an issue of dependency,” particularly with regard to intelligence and communications, the official added.
In light of these apprehensions, several EU member states are examining their military capabilities to gauge how vulnerable they might be if US support were severed.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the EU to halt purchases of American weapons, arguing that European rearmament is futile if member states continue to rely on US suppliers. Meanwhile, German Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz has suggested that France’s nuclear deterrent could be extended to protect its neighbors, a proposal that Macron indicated could warrant discussion.
Rasmus Jarlov, chair of Denmark’s defense committee, expressed regret over the country’s acquisition of US-made F-35 fighter jets, labeling them as “a security risk that we cannot run.” He warned that the US could deactivate these systems if Denmark does not comply with its demands, such as relinquishing control over Greenland.
Portugal has opted to cancel plans to acquire F-35s, citing the prevailing “geopolitical context.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced his support for enhancing European military autonomy, acknowledging that Trump “may have a point” regarding Europe’s need to bolster its own defense spending.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
