US officials object to European push to buy weapons locally

US officials have told European allies they want them to keep buying American-made arms, amid recent moves by the European Union to limit US manufacturers' participation in weapons tenders, five sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, Report informs.

The messages delivered by Washington in recent weeks come as the EU takes steps to boost Europe's weapons industry, while potentially limiting purchases of certain types of US arms.

The Trump administration's early foreign policy steps, including briefly cutting military aid for Ukraine and easing pressure on Moscow, have deeply unnerved European allies, prompting many to ask if the United States is a reliable partner.

In mid-March, the European Commission, the EU's executive body, proposed boosting military spending and pooling resources on joint defense projects, as Europe girds for decreased US military engagement under President Donald Trump.

Some of the proposed measures could mean a smaller role for non-EU companies, including those based in the US and the United Kingdom, experts say.

A State Department spokesperson said Trump welcomes recent efforts from European allies to "strengthen their defense capabilities and take responsibility for their own security," but warned against creating new barriers that exclude US companies from European defense projects.

"Transatlantic defense industrial cooperation makes the Alliance stronger," the spokesperson said.