Germany Must Diversify Arms Suppliers Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty
Airbus Defense and Space CEO Michael Schollhorn urges Germany to lessen its reliance on U.S. defense contractors, advocating for increased collaboration among European defense firms instead. This recommendation comes amid rising concerns over shifting U.S. foreign policy, including President Trump’s questioning of NATO commitments and potential pressure on European allies. Schollhorn highlights the upcoming German defense budget increase as a critical opportunity to prioritize European manufacturers and avoid further dependence on the U.S. He uses the example of Denmark’s F-35 purchase to illustrate the potential pitfalls of solely relying on American-made equipment. Ultimately, Schollhorn emphasizes a need for coordinated European defense spending and industry cooperation.