The Pentagon has expressed clear opposition to any efforts by the European Union that would restrict access for American arms manufacturers to the European market. This warning suggests that should the EU implement such restrictions, the U.S. may retaliate by limiting access for European companies to the American market as well. This conflict illustrates the delicate balance in transatlantic relations, particularly regarding military cooperation and defense procurement.

Historically, Europe has heavily relied on American weaponry for its security and defense needs. Approximately two-thirds of the arms imported by the EU come from the United States, reflecting decades of dependency on U.S. military industrial output. Despite past requests from the Trump administration for Europe to take more responsibility for its own conventional defense, Washington's reluctance to see American defense companies negatively impacted indicates a complicated dynamic in the U.S.-EU defense relationship.

Currently, the EU is looking to decrease this dependency, evident in initiatives such as the "SAFE" program which has a budget of 150 billion euros aimed at bolstering local arms manufacturers. Additionally, a recently negotiated 90 billion euro loan arrangement allows Ukraine to procure weapons with a stronger preference towards EU suppliers. This shift could reshape the transatlantic defense landscape, leading to a more independent EU defense strategy while heightening tensions with the U.S.