Germany and the USA agree on increased arms cooperation

Germany and the USA want to significantly expand their cooperation on armaments projects. To this end, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth signed a declaration of intent in Washington on increased cooperation.

This is intended to increasingly cover the enormous need for weapons, ammunition and equipment in the NATO alliance from German production. According to Hegseth, the declaration of intent expands opportunities for joint development, production and license manufacturing. Maintenance and repair capacities should also be expanded - "exactly what allied countries should do," he said.

The goal is clear: “to provide high-performance systems for American, German and allied forces on a large scale and quickly in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.” Pistorius offered Germany's "know-how and capacity for joint production."

Hegseth: “Germany is setting a good example”

Hegseth also praised Germany for its pioneering role in strengthening NATO in Europe. Germany is approaching the NATO target of five percent in defense spending "and is setting a good example," said Hegseth, whose official title is Minister of War.

The USA has already promised to sell Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany. However, details still need to be clarified. Pistorius also wants to receive the first F-35 stealth fighter jet for the German Air Force.

Pistorius last visited Washington in the summer of 2025. Last year there was a lot of criticism of the federal government from Washington. Since then, Germany has significantly increased defense spending and expanded its leadership in military aid to Ukraine.