Weapons made in Germany? Why the Bundeswehr does not only buy arms at home

Germany spent €24 billion on military procurement in 2025, focusing on European suppliers while relying on US systems where domestic capabilities fall short in its bid to modernise — and quickly.

The force's 2025 procurement balance sheet indicates that modernisation has progressed despite high demand, primarily due to simplified procedures and numerous Bundestag resolutions.

Financed primarily through the special fund, the Bundeswehr implemented 149 procurement projects. Numerous new systems have already been delivered or are currently being introduced.

One focus was the army, with further deliveries of the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, manufactured by the German defence companies KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Landsysteme.

However, not all weapons systems for the Bundeswehr are manufactured in Germany. The majority of procurement contracts are to be awarded to European manufacturers, with only around 8% to be purchased from the US, as Euronews reported in September.

Where Germany's capabilities reach their limits

The weapons systems that are not manufactured in Germany include the F35 fighter jets, the P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the navy and the Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US.

But purchases are also being made in Europe, such as replacing the Bundeswehr's P8 pistol with the Czech CZ P13.

In addition to German air defence systems such as the IRIS-T, the Bundeswehr has purchased the Arrow-3 missile defence system, which was developed in cooperation between the US and Israel.

These systems are of enormous importance to the Bundeswehr, such as the F35 fighter jet, which cannot be produced outside the US due to the highly complex and confidential technologies involved.

In addition, specialised production facilities, legal export controls such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and strategic interests prevent the fighter jet from being manufactured abroad.

It has already been debated whether European jets, such as the Swedish Gripen, could replace the F-35.

But even that is not as easy as it sounds: according to reports, the F-35A — the model that the Bundeswehr will also receive — is certified to carry the US B61-12 nuclear bomb.

This means that the jet is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons and is seen as a potential successor platform for older nuclear-capable aircraft such as the Tornado as part of NATO's nuclear sharing programme.

Another option was the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS), intended to redefine the "air combat of the future" while maintaining independence from non-European partners.

However, the project remains in a difficult phase: although the three countries remain politically committed to it, ongoing industrial conflicts, particularly between Airbus and Dassault Aviation over leadership roles and work shares in the Next Generation Fighter, are delaying progress.

The aim of FCAS is not a single fighter aircraft, but a networked "system of systems" comprising a manned fighter jet, unmanned escort drones, and a digital combat cloud.

The first flight of the new jet is expected around 2030 at the earliest, with operational readiness more likely from 2040. However, it is unclear whether the schedule and costs can be met.

Political balancing act

Although approximately 80% of defence equipment is procured in Germany, complete independence is also challenging to achieve on the political level.

At a NATO meeting at the beginning of December, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticised European countries for putting their own defence industry above US suppliers.

He called on Europe to convert its defence spending into operational capacities and not to exclude any US companies from the market.

The recently published US National Security Strategy also states that "from military alliances to trade relations and beyond, the United States will insist on being treated fairly by other countries."

"We will no longer tolerate, nor can we afford, free rides, trade imbalances, predatory economic practices, and other impositions that damage our nation's historic goodwill and harm our interests," the strategy said.

In an interview with Euronews, Ben Hodges, retired Lieutenant General of the United States Army, said that "where Germany buys its defence equipment should depend first and foremost on what gives the Bundeswehr the best capability."

However, he admits that there are systems that Germany is currently unable — or unwilling — to produce.

Security expert Dr Christian Mölling also told German newspaper Bild that pure production in Germany is not feasible due to time constraints.

If the new pistol for the troops had been produced in Germany, it would have required new factories, government advance payments and time, according to Mölling.

Standardisation of European defence capabilities

Another reason for European procurement is the desire for greater standardisation and improved cooperation among the continent's armed forces.

The EU is promoting the joint procurement of defence equipment to standardise the highly fragmented European equipment market and reduce duplication. If several armies use the same or compatible systems, joint operations become much easier.

Accordingly, programmes such as EDIRPA and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) are intended to encourage member states to cease making isolated national purchases and to invest collectively.

The aim is a better coordinated European defence industry and technically harmonised weapons systems.

In the long term, according to the EU strategy, this will not only strengthen efficiency and solidarity, but also the military integration of Europe and the ability for common defence.