European purchases of American weapons in 2024 reached a record $ 76 billion. According to a study by the European think tank Bruegel, the increase in defense spending in recent years has further increased Europe's dependence on American weapons.
The authors of the study analyzed 1,179 notifications of deals for the sale of military goods abroad since 2008. The document notes that from 2022 to 2024 alone, supplies from the United States accounted for approximately half (50.7%) of the spending of European NATO members. Moreover, in 2019-2021, this figure was almost 28%, experts point out.
Europe's dependence is particularly significant in terms of high-tech equipment, including air defense systems, missiles and fighter jets, as well as additional equipment. This situation, the authors of the report warn, gives Washington significant leverage over Europe, which can be used not only in defense, but also in trade.