A wave of new US arms deals with European allies has highlighted growing defence investment across the continent, as several countries secure high-value contracts to bolster their airpower and missile defence capabilities amid heightened regional tensions.
Over the past two months, the US State Department has approved more than $3 billion in potential foreign military sales to European nations. These include a broad range of advanced weapons systems such as air-to-air missiles, ground-attack munitions, anti-tank weapons, and air defence platforms.
Among the largest deals is a proposed $1.33 billion sale of AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles to Poland, alongside a separate $180 million deal for GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs. These acquisitions support Warsaw’s continuing efforts to modernise its air force and expand munitions stockpiles.
Norway is also investing in air-to-air missile capability, with an estimated $370.9 million contract for AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles. Türkiye, meanwhile, has requested two separate purchases: $225 million for AIM-120C-8 missiles and $79.1 million for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles.
Several NATO and partner nations are also investing in air-to-ground and close support weapons. The Netherlands has requested Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles in a $215 million package, while Estonia is pursuing a $296 million deal for Javelin anti-tank missiles—one of the largest US-EU Javelin sales to date.
In southern Europe, Romania has sought to expand its integrated air defence with a $280 million procurement of the Patriot air defence system, adding to earlier acquisitions. Italy is pursuing a $211 million package for additional Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles to equip its fast jet fleet.
Smaller yet strategically significant sales include a $100 million deal for AW-119Kx helicopters to Bosnia and Herzegovina, intended to support the country’s internal security and border patrol capacity.
Together, these contracts reflect a pattern of accelerated procurement by European allies, with a particular focus on interoperability with US platforms and NATO force structures. While many of the weapons are destined for fast jet fleets, others bolster ground-based air defence and anti-armour capabilities. areas identified as critical in NATO’s evolving deterrence posture.
that’s not really a shopping spree that deserves an article though is it?
It is a shopping spree that keeps The Tangerine Tinted One happy.
It is a Big Beautiful Shopping Spree….
Grand Headline but,
US Arm sales to foreign Countries in 2024 amounted to $320 Billions, surely this “Europe on a Spree” spending $3 Billion is just rather normal ?
Europe should be hedging its bets and buying European. There is no guarantee that the Land of the Free will remain free indefinitely.
Amazing that ASRAAM has been one of the great successes of the Ukraine war even used in ways it was not designed for and yet US alternatives get the orders. That’s what you get I suppose when you have a hostile revenge driven President using threat and pressure and a closed shop on add ons to US weapon systems. And yet apparently it’s the rest of us being so unfair to the poor old US of A. I think the recent threat to Countries daring to do business with BRICS and/or cut out the dollar in trade reveals the true intent. It’s all about control.
As posted below/above, the US sold $320 Billions worth of arms to foreign countries last year alone. Not sure Trump’s hostile revenge really had any bearing on that ?
“Oranges aren’t the only fruit”.
Even UKDJ HQ is allowed the ‘occasional’ slow day. Just need to keep the followers fed and the comments rolling—so let’s keep the whinging coming 👍
#Day24
It worries me that the UK is focusing on growing British industry with new emerging technology initiatives. We should be stocking up on existing, proven systems like our allies. What about purchasing patriot systems to defend key military sites? How about more cruise missiles that can be fired from existing submarines? While we are at it, how about more Typhoons, P8s, and F35s? The clock is ticking ever louder.
Of course! That is their priority, Nick. Jobs and industry, not assets for the military.
Surely people must start seeing it, it has been going on for decades. When we had lots more assets it wasn’t so stark.
Not one journalist puts ministers on the spot. Not one.
They hide behind such and such % and grandstanding, where the real issue is that numbers have fallen so below critical mass in conventional assets and people.