Nammo CEO Warned Europe Against Cutting US Defense Ties
The defense executive cautioned that Europe lacks the industrial capacity to fully replace US weapon supplies.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Nammo CEO Morten Brandtzæg has warned European nations against severing critical defense industrial ties with the United States. His comments follow growing concerns over long delivery delays for US-made weapon systems that have prompted several nations to seek domestic alternatives.
Why it matters
US stockpiles were significantly depleted by conflict in the Middle East, leading to prolonged delays for allies that are expected to last into the next decade. Europe currently lacks the independent capacity to meet its own rising defense demand without continued collaboration with American partners.
Denmark signed a contract for the SAMP-T NG air defense system in 2025, with initial deliveries anticipated by 2028. This move comes as waiting times for Patriot system deliveries are projected to extend into the next decade.
The players
Morten Brandtzæg
He is the CEO of Nammo and serves as a prominent voice in the European defense industrial sector.
Nammo
It is a defense company part-owned by the Norwegian and Finnish governments that specializes in rocket motors and ammunition.
Raytheon
This major US defense contractor is responsible for the final assembly of missiles using engines produced by Nammo.
Thales
This is a global aerospace and defense firm currently in talks with the UK government to provide domestically produced weaponry.
The details
Nammo, which is part-owned by the Norwegian and Finnish governments, produces critical rocket-motor engines for AMRAAM missiles in Raufoss, Norway, before final assembly by Raytheon in the US. While Nammo is expanding production capacity at its US facilities, companies like Thales are simultaneously discussing European alternatives, such as supplying laser-guided rockets produced in Belgium to the UK government.
Timeline
Spring 2026: The US warned allies of significant weapon delivery delays.
2025: Denmark signed a contract to purchase the SAMP-T NG air defense system.
2028: Expected date for the first delivery of the SAMP-T NG system to Denmark.
Next decade: Expected timeframe for ongoing Patriot system delivery delays.
Market Landscape
This dispute over defense supply chains reflects a broader struggle as European nations attempt to balance rapid military expansion with reliance on US manufacturing. The shift toward domestic alternatives signals a push for regional industrial autonomy amidst ongoing global defense consolidation.
The ongoing strain on defense production could influence national security budgets and the availability of military equipment for allied nations. Consumers and taxpayers may observe shifts in defense spending priorities as governments scramble to secure domestic supply lines.
The takeaway
Europe faces a significant challenge in balancing the urgent need for military modernization with the reality of limited domestic production infrastructure. Relying on established international partnerships remains essential until regional manufacturing can scale to meet global demand.
Further reading
For more context on the current state of industrial defense, visit Manufacturing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial Times News.
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Should European nations prioritize building a domestic defense industry over maintaining existing weapon supply ties?
