EU, Canada to Break U.S. Defense Dependency, Push for European Weapons/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The European Union unveiled a major push to boost its defense independence on Wednesday, unveiling the “Readiness 2030” plan aimed at reducing reliance on U.S. military equipment. With concerns over Russia’s potential future aggression, the EU will prioritize buying European-made defense technology and offer incentives to nations that comply. The move comes amid Trump’s shift in foreign policy, which has left NATO allies uncertain about long-term U.S. commitments.
EU’s Defense Shift: Quick Look
- New “Readiness 2030” plan prioritizes European-made weapons over U.S. imports.
- EU members must buy at least 65% of military equipment from Europe to qualify for loans.
- Trump administration’s pivot away from Europe fuels concerns over long-term U.S. security guarantees.
- France champions “Buy European” policy, but Poland and the Netherlands prefer U.S. defense deals.
- EU leaders discuss $164 billion loan fund for domestic military projects.
- Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius: “Europe should not rely on U.S. security forever.”
- Ukraine to receive increased EU military aid, including two million artillery rounds annually.
- European-made fighter jets gain traction as alternatives to the U.S. F-35 program.
EU, Canada to Break U.S. Defense Dependency, Push for European Weapons
EU, Canda Seek Greater Defense Autonomy Amid U.S. Policy Shift
EU Ramps Up Defense Investment
The European Union announced a new initiative Wednesday to reduce its dependence on American-made military technology, signaling a major shift in European defense policy. The “Readiness 2030” strategy will prioritize European arms manufacturers and require member states to buy at least 65% of their military equipment from Europe, Norway, or Ukraine to qualify for funding.
This shift follows growing concerns over Russian military aggression, with NATO intelligence warning of a potential Russian attack in the next 3-5 years.
A Response to Trump’s Foreign Policy Shift
The EU’s new strategy comes in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back U.S. security commitments to Europe. His administration has redirected its focus to domestic and Asia-Pacific concerns, urging European allies to take more responsibility for their own defense.
“The era of the peace dividend is over,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We must invest in defense, strengthen our capabilities, and take control of our security.”
Key Measures in “Readiness 2030”
- Financial Incentives: EU defense firms will receive subsidies to cut costs and speed up weapons production.
- Loan Restrictions: Defense contractors from the U.S., UK, and Turkey will be excluded from EU loans unless they sign security agreements with the bloc.
- Priority Sectors: EU funds will prioritize air defense, cyber warfare, missile technology, and ammunition production.
- Increased Military Aid to Ukraine: The EU will send two million artillery rounds annually to help Ukraine fend off Russia’s invasion.
Push for European-Made Fighter Jets
One of the biggest debates surrounding European defense autonomy is the purchase of fighter jets. Several EU nations have been heavily invested in U.S. F-35 jets, but Trump’s strained relationships with NATO allies have pushed countries like Canada, Portugal, and France to reconsider their dependence on U.S. military aircraft.
Mark Carney, Canada’s new prime minister, ordered a review of its F-35 purchase, citing concerns over Trump’s reliability as an ally.
European alternatives gaining traction include:
- Saab Gripen (Sweden)
- Eurofighter Typhoon (UK, Germany, Spain, Italy)
- Dassault Rafale (France)
Tensions Over ‘Kill Switch’ Concerns in U.S. Jets
A growing concern among European leaders is the potential for U.S. fighter jets to be disabled remotely, often referred to as a “kill switch” embedded in software updates.
“You’re not just buying an airplane. You’re buying a relationship with the United States,” said Winslow T. Wheeler, a defense expert who worked in the U.S. Congress.
While U.S. defense officials strongly deny the existence of such a feature, European leaders fear that future political tensions with Washington could result in restricted access to critical upgrades, potentially grounding fleets of F-35s.
EU’s Path Forward
To make the “Readiness 2030” plan successful, the EU will need to significantly boost investment in domestic defense manufacturers and create a long-term strategy for independent military research and development.
“450 million European citizens should not have to depend on 340 million Americans to defend ourselves,” said EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
While internal divisions remain—with some nations still preferring American-made weapons—the push for European military independence is gaining momentum.
