Does Europe regret its bet on U.S. defense?

Visitors queue to take a closer look at a Patriot missile launcher during the Armed Forces Day at the Airbase in Laage, Germany, on June 06, 2026. Along with nine other locations, Laage hosts the Armed Forces Day 2026.

Europe bet big on American defense technology and they’re now paying the price. Years-long backlogs are underway due to production delays and the U.S. own military needs.

(Image credit: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)