Germany and US sign defense pact in Washington to expand joint weapons production

Transatlantic industrial pact

German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius and United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a declaration of intent in Washington on 15 September 2026 to expand bilateral defense industrial cooperation. The German Ministry of Defense stated that the agreement establishes a political framework for joint development, production, licensed manufacturing, and maintenance of defense equipment. Both nations identified a need to integrate their defense industries to secure transatlantic supply chains, reduce delivery times, and expand manufacturing capacities for modern weapon systems, components, and ammunition. The initiative also provides for reviewing technology transfer regulations and deepening cooperation in defense research and development.

Missile systems and aircraft procurement

Ahead of the meeting, Pistorius referenced existing bilateral projects, including Germany's acquisition of American F-35 stealth combat aircraft and plans to manufacture guided missiles for the Patriot air defense system on German soil. The German defense minister stated that the two nations possess complementary industrial bases capable of expanding overall output.

Yet our shared potential extends further. Germany has an efficient industrial base, highly trained skilled workers, and leading technological competence. With this, we can create additional production capacities.

Discussions in Washington also addressed Germany's planned procurement of Tomahawk cruise missiles and corresponding Typhon launcher systems. The two governments established the baseline agreement for the missile purchase during the NATO summit in Turkey in early July 2026. Pistorius noted after the bilateral talks that while specific procedural details of the procurement remain under negotiation, the framework for the acquisition is firmly set.

Force posture and NATO capabilities

The talks coincided with an ongoing United States review of its military posture in Europe, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. As part of this assessment, the Pentagon is considering the withdrawal of up to 5,000 US troops stationed in Germany, though no formal departure schedule has been established. To compensate for potential reductions in US capabilities, Germany has offered NATO alternative assets, including naval vessels, fighter aircraft, and unmanned weapon systems. Pistorius had previously met Hegseth in Washington in summer 2025, while a planned May 2026 meeting was delayed when Pistorius visited Canada regarding submarine cooperation and Hegseth attended the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. In August 2026, US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby commended Germany's defense budget increases at NATO headquarters, describing the country's military development over the preceding 18 months as an extraordinary shift.

Congressional friction and Pistorius itinerary

The bilateral signing took place alongside domestic political controversy for Hegseth in the United States Congress. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced an impeachment resolution against Hegseth in the House of Representatives, declaring the defense chief a threat to the Constitution due to US military operations in the Iran war conducted without congressional authorization. Following his meetings in Washington, Pistorius travels to New York to confer with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres regarding the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. On Friday, the defense minister visits Fort Worth, Texas, to attend the official handover ceremony for the German military's first F-35 fighter jet.