European Capitals Push ITAR-Free Weapons, Challenging US Firms for Billions in Defense Spending
Updated
Updated · Breaking Defense · Aug 4
European Capitals Push ITAR-Free Weapons, Challenging US Firms for Billions in Defense Spending
3 articles · Updated · Breaking Defense · Aug 4
Summary
European governments are increasingly steering procurement toward “ITAR-free” weapons, creating a new barrier for US defense companies trying to win a share of the continent’s rapidly expanding military budgets.
ITAR’s “see-through rule” lets Washington control re-export of US-made parts inside foreign systems, meaning a French-built jet with a US engine or turbine can still require US approval for resale.
That approval can take days, weeks or months, and some European officials fear delays could be extended for political reasons if a sale conflicts with US interests.
European firms are already marketing “ITAR-free” status as a selling point, though executives say replacing US technology without sacrificing performance remains a major supply-chain challenge.
US industry groups and executives are pressing for faster, clearer ITAR decisions to avoid losing workshare in Europe, even as Trump administration officials argue no rival can match the US defense industrial base.