European defense companies are getting rid of American parts because of Trump, – The Times

Most European arms manufacturers consider the United States to be unreliable partners.

European defense companies have long relied on American components for their weapons, but the policies of current US President Donald Trump are forcing them to reduce their dependence on Washington, The Times writes .

Eric Beranger, the head of the leading European missile systems manufacturer MBDA, told reporters that his company could abandon American components if customers asked for it. The publication recalled that MBDA, in particular, supplies long-range weapons to Ukraine.

The journalists noted that European defense companies are now refusing to purchase American equipment amid fears that Trump has made the United States an unreliable partner. The publication emphasized that nowadays many British defense companies, when trying to export their weapons abroad, are faced with the question of whether they are independent of the American arms industry.

The publication explained that the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a set of US regulations governing items on the US Arms List, which is intended to ensure national security. This list includes technology, software and components from the US that can be used for either military purposes or have dual use. This means that weapons that fall under ITAR cannot be created, sold or supplied to anyone without the consent and support of the US.

One of the sources in the defense industry clarified in a conversation with journalists that even the presence of American engineers on the team means that the weapons fall under the scope of ITAR.

“Trump has destroyed trust in the United States as a defense partner,” said defense analyst Francis Tusa.

Supacat co-founder Nick Ames added that there are concerns that the Trump administration could back out of future sales of American components to other countries.

Ames also believes that Trump’s trade war could lead to European defense companies abandoning American components altogether, saying it would be more profitable for them to produce everything in Europe.

Representatives of European companies Helsing and Auterion shared with journalists that their weapons are not subject to ITAR. According to them, this helps to avoid many problems that could arise when cooperating with the United States.

“As international cooperation expands and governments seek greater control over supply chains, the ability to operate without extraterritorial U.S. export restrictions becomes a strategic consideration,” said Brinley Salzmann, director of overseas sales and exports at defense trade association ADS.

Weapons production in Europe – other news

The Times previously reported that Britain plans to eliminate its critical arms dependence on the US. Containers will be built in the UK to produce RDX explosives, which are used in 155mm artillery shells.

In addition, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, stated that Sweden should take the lead in developing Europe’s defence capabilities . During a visit to the city of Karlskoga, the European Commissioner visited a munitions production facility and also saw what the Swedish company Saab can produce.

(C)UNIAN 2025