EU seeks self-reliance as US, China dominate defense sector

"Over the past year, the European Union has pushed toward its goal of establishing a more self-reliant defense strategy and creating a stronger, more independent EU defense industry. The conduct of the Trump administration in geopolitical affairs ranging from ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to tensions over Greenland has repeatedly reinforced the urgency of that goal. European leaders have not said as much officially, but a more independent EU implies one that is less dependent on the United States."

"DW analyzed arms trade data collected by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Since 1950, SIPRI has tracked military expenditures and the trade of what it calls "major conventional arms" such as aircraft, air-defense systems, armored vehicles, artillery, ships, satellites and sensors. DW's analysis demonstrates the extent to which the United States dominates the defense market within Europe and around the world."

"Five countries account for majority of global weapons exports The United States has been the biggest weapons exporter in the world for over two decades, accounting for 36% of global arms sales. The US is followed by Russia (21%), France (8%), Germany (7%) and China (5%). Combined, these five countries supplied 74% of all weapons traded from 2000 through 2024."

World leaders will address trans-Atlantic security policy and EU defense at the 2026 Munich Security Conference. The European Union has been moving toward a self-reliant defense strategy and a stronger, more independent defense industry. Actions by the Trump administration in geopolitical affairs have increased urgency for European strategic autonomy, implying reduced dependence on the United States. SIPRI arms-trade data show the United States dominates global and European defense markets. Five suppliers — the US, Russia, France, Germany and China — supplied 74% of arms traded from 2000–2024. Import data partially reflects dependence, but spending and domestic procurement are needed to gauge true reliance on foreign suppliers.

Read at www.dw.com