'Danke schön Trump!' Airbus CEO Says Orders for Fighters in Europe Will Increase

The CEO of Airbus Defense and Space expressed optimism about the future. 

Michael Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space, stated on March 7th (local time) in an interview with the regional newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine, “If we continue to increase our defense budget by purchasing standard products from the United States, we will only reinforce our dependence on other countries.” While praising the announcements by the upcoming government under the leadership of Friedrich Merz as “logical and absolutely necessary,” Schöllhorn emphasized the “need to strengthen Europe’s sovereignty in terms of armaments.”

The European aerospace manufacturer’s CEO specifically referred to the case of Denmark. “The Danes, who have American F-35 jets, are realizing that it might not be such a good idea if they ever had to defend Greenland. They wouldn't even make it there,” he explained. It should be noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark rich in minerals and hydrocarbons.

Friedrich Merz has been advocating for strengthening Germany and Europe’s defense capabilities to counter the growing risk of U.S. disengagement. However, the country remains dependent on American military hardware. The outgoing government had announced plans to purchase 35 F-35 fighter jets from the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin following the invasion of Ukraine.

"Investing in our economy and society"
Schöllhorn added that "Germany, in particular, must recognize that Europe is threatened and too weak economically and militarily in this new era of history (...). Investing in defense is also investing in our economy and society."

In response to the growing rapprochement between the United States under Donald Trump and Russia, Merz’s conservatives and the Social Democrats have agreed to exempt defense spending from Germany's fiscal rules when it exceeds 1% of GDP, with the goal of increasing it to 100 billion euros per year.

Schöllhorn believes the chances that Berlin will order additional Eurofighters have increased. "The Eurofighter is the backbone of the air force, and with tranche 5, we are preparing the aircraft for the future," he said. "I am optimistic and believe we will continue our productive discussions with the new government, and I am confident that we will soon reach an order."

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